Veterans Day 2012 and the meaning in the folding of the U.S. Flag

A Military Standing at Attention, a Salute, and a sincere THANK YOU to all of our nation's current and past veterans of our United States Armed Forces.  

 

 

Since at least the Korean War, the United States Air Force has maintained the tradition of the Flag folding ceremony of the United States Flag as part of a Judeo-Christian faith and heritage that goes back to our Founding Beliefs present in the Military of those who fought in the Revolution of 1776-1783, and who served in the United States Military in all branches of the Military Service thereafter. 

http://www.usflag.org/foldflag.html

http://www.legion.org/flag/folding

 

How to fold the Flag

Step 1 To properly fold the Flag, begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground.

 The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.



Step 2 Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely.

 The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.







Step 3 Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.

 The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.






Step 4 Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag.

 The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.



Step 5 Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.

 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.”




Step 6 The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.

 The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart 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, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.




Step 7 When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.


The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

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 our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.

The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.


The 13th and final old will have the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
 
 At this point there will be a small flap that is tucked tightly into the symbol of the Trinity or that Triune Being to whom we are to place our trust.


After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones.

As Christ Jesus is to be our helmet of Salvation, so our flag is a testament of faith into our Creator, manifest in its military sentinels and centurions from the founding of our nation, and is to be remembered always as we fold our flag.

For the flag on the next day may be taken out of its place, and unfurled and flown, as a symbol of the resurrection manifest in the faith and knowledge of our LORD Jesus Christ, GOD the Son who  shall raise up those who believe and trust into Him into everlasting life and freedom and glory through GOD the Holy Spirit to the good pleasure of the GOD the Father.  

As we gaze upon the flag unfurled blowing in the wind, these are the matters of faith that should be called to remembrance, that those who are fallen in Christ, shall yet rise and live again.  And the ranks of the United States Military among the saints of Heaven still yet heartily swells their ranks.  May it ever be so.   Amen.     


  

The original Pledge of Allegiance

written by Francis Bellamy

began as a celebration of the 400th Anniversary of 

Christopher Columbus' discovery of America.    

"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands- one nation indivisible-with liberty and justice for all."

October 12, 1892
Columbus Day recital,
Boston, Massachusetts

It reached it final form under President Dwight Eisenhower

in June of 1954 as a testament of faith by the vast majority

of veterans who served in World War 2 and in Korea

The Pledge of Allegiance

I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

 

President Eisenhower stated, at the time, that in referring to adding the words "under God":

  "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."