The Meaning Of The Flag Draped Coffin
(reprinted)
NOTE: I'm not sure if this is the official
version but it is very, very interesting...
All Americans should be given this lesson. 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.
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States Soldiers' Home in the period 1861 through 1918. Other separate lists name
Union soldiers buried in national cemeteries, 1861 to 1865, with a few as late
as 1886. These are arranged by name of cemetery, by military organization,
and, for certain states, by name of the soldier. The name indexes are available
for Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Iowa, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,
Vermont, and Wisconsin. 