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 Ste phen 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 the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of "Liberty and Freedom."