OH SAY, CAN YOU SEE?
DO YOU KNOW WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES?
The first fold is a symbol of life.
The second symbolizes our belief in eternal life.
The third honors the veterans who gave their lives for our country & to help achieve peace in our world.
There are 10 more reasons the flag is folded, and thousands more we’re thankful for this country—and our flag—each day.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, as we turn to God in times of peace or war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “our country in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our hearts that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through them that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, foreign or domestic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death that we might see the light of day and to honor mother, for whom the flag flies on Mothers Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through the love, faith, loyalty, and devotion of women that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since it was first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the Seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The thirteenth fold reminds us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust,” as the flag’s stars are uppermost.
After the flag is completely folded, it takes the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under George Washington and ever since, who have helped preserve the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
Proud to live in the land of the free & the home of the brave, ~ Leigh