A Tribute to Old Glory
Some people call me Old Glory, others call me the Star Spangled Banner, but whatever they call me, I am your Flag, the Flag of the United States of America...Something has been bothering me, so I thought I might talk it over with you.
I remember some time ago people lined up on both sides of the street to watch the parade and naturally, I was leading every parade, proudly waving in the breeze. When your daddy saw me coming, he immediately removed his hat and placed it over his heart...remember? And you, I remember you. Stading there as straight as a soldier. You didn't have a hat but you were giving the right salute. Remember your little sister? Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as you; with her right hand over her heart...remember?
What happened? I'm still the same old flag. Oh, I have a few more starts since you were a boy. A lot more blood has been shed since those parades of long ago.
But now I don't feel as proud as I used to. When I come down your street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets and I may get a small glance, then you look away. I see the children running around and shouting...they don't seem to know who I am...I saw one man take his hat off his head and then look around. He didn't see anybody else with their hat off so he quickly put his hat back on.
Is it a sin to be patriotic any more? Have you forgotten what I stand for and where I've been-Anzio, Korea, Guadalcanal, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Iraq? Take a look at the Memorial Honor Rolls sometime, of those who never came back, to keep this Republic free...One Nation Under God...When you salute me, you are actually saluting them.
Well, it won't be long until I'll be coming down your street again. So, when you see me, stand straight, place your right hand over your heart...and I'll salute you, by waving back...and I'll know that...YOU REMEMBER.
Meaning of the Flag Draped Coffin.
All Americans should be given this lesson.
Those who think that America is an arrogant nation
should really reconsider this thought. Our founding
fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our
Great Nation. Be proud of the country we live in and even
more proud of those who serve to protect our "GOD GIVEN" rights and freedoms.
Take the time to read this.....
To understand what the flag draped coffin really
means...... Here is how to understand the flag
that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many
widows and widowers.
Do you know that at military funerals,
the 21-gun salute stands for the sum
of the numbers in the year 1776?
Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays
meticulous attention to correctly folding the
United States of America Flag 13 times?
You probably thought it was to symbolize
the original 13 colonies, but we learn something
new every day!
The
1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life
.
The
2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life
.
The
3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the
veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion
of their lives for the defense of the country to attain
peace throughout the world.
The
4th fold represents the weaker nature ,
for as American citizens trusting in God ,
it is to Him we turn in times of peace as
well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The
5th fold is a tribute to the 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
6th fold is for where people's hearts lie .
It is with their heart that They pledge allegiance
to the flag of the United! States Of America, and
the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under
God , indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The
7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces ,
for it is through the Armed Forces that they
protect their country and their flag against all
her enemies, whether they be found within or
without the boundaries of their republic.
The
8th 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.
The
9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers.
For it has been through their faith, their love,
loyalty and devotion that the character of the
men and women who have made this country
great has been molded.
The
10th fold is a tribute to the father , for he, too,
has given his sons and daughters for the defense
of their country since they were first born.
The
11th fold represents the lower portion of
The seal of King David and King Solomon
and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God
of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
.
The
12th fold represents an emblem of eternity
and glorifies, in the Christians eyes,
God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The
13th fold, or when the flag is completely
folded, the stars are uppermost reminding
them of their nations motto, "In God We Trust."
After the flag is completely folded and tucked
in , it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat,
ever reminding us of the soldiers who served
under General George Washington , and the
Sailors and Marines who served under Captain
John Paul Jones , who were followed by their
comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces
of the United States,preserving for them the rights,
privileges and freedoms they enjoy today .
There are some traditions and ways of doing things
that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags
folded and now you will know why.
Share this with all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of " Liberty and Freedom."