Posted by Bonnie_CO on 4/6/06 11:12am
Msg #111541

Meaning of a Flag Draped Coffin...OT

If you are one that thinks EVERYTHING has to be "Politically Correct" you may ignore this, for the rest, I hope you enjoy this as much as I did, I will teach my rugrats these meanings regardless of what the supreme court rules...

All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that
America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought.
Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our
Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated
about this Nation's history. Pass it along and be proud of the
country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to protect
our "GOD GIVEN" rights and freedoms.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope you 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 the children you love and all others who love what
is referred to, the symbol of "Liberty and Freedom."

MAYBE THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD READ THIS EXPLANATION BEFORE THEY RENDER THEIR DECISION ON THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. FORWARD IT; MAYBE SOMEONE WITH THE NECESSARY POWER, OR POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL
INFLUENCE, WILL GET IT TO THEM.

IN THE MEANTIME, MAY GOD PROTECT US ALWAYS.

ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

Reply by Teddog_CO on 4/6/06 11:15am
Msg #111542

Excellent reminder. Thank You Bonnie n/m

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 4/6/06 11:21am
Msg #111545

Bonnie, do you know the original source of the information? I had never heard that before. I was the only one who didn't enlist which could explain my ignorance of the subject; is it a military source?

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 4/6/06 11:35am
Msg #111547

SaraBeth....

I got this this morning from my neighbor, retired Air Force, I thought it was really neat. I had heard something similar many years ago and couldn't remember it, so when he sent this I printed it and put a copy in my scrapbook. As far as the original source, I couldn't say for sure. My neighbor said that he heard this many times while he was active duty.

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 4/6/06 11:46am
Msg #111551

Re: SaraBeth....

Hey Bonnie I did a little googling and came up with this http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/folds.htm
It's a site about Betsy Ross and it gives the meaning of the flag folding. It is considered unofficial but traditional from what I understand.

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 4/6/06 12:27pm
Msg #111568

Re: SaraBeth....Thanks! I'm glad you posted that link! NM n/m

Reply by cfwMI on 4/6/06 11:25am
Msg #111546

Thank you Bonnie. What a wonderful reminder and/or lesson. Taps, the 21 gun salute and the presentation of the flag is what I remember most about my husbands funeral. ( He was of service to this country for over 20 years between the Navy and the Army) and, in all those years I never knew what you've stated today. I will make sure that all my grandchildren know this.

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 4/6/06 11:39am
Msg #111548

CFW....

Thank you since we can't thank your husband. I grew up in a very patriotic family, and I've always "shared" my birthday with our wonderful country. It's hard NOT to be patriotic when you're born on the 4th of July! LOL!
I believe wholeheartedly (is that a word?), in 3 things, God, Family and my Country, and that's what I teach my kids.

Reply by hcampersFL on 4/6/06 12:18pm
Msg #111566

To CFWMI

I would like to Thank you and your family for the sacrifice that you've made for your country. Your husband served his country well and I know you must be very proud of him.
Beverly

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 4/6/06 1:29pm
Msg #111585

Re: Meaning of a Flag Draped Coffin...OT... To cfwMI

Thank you, your husband and your family for the many sacrifices you have made over the years for our country.

Reply by Tina_MA on 4/6/06 11:47am
Msg #111552

Re: AMEN! n/m

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 4/6/06 1:19pm
Msg #111582

Re: Meaning of a Flag Draped Coffin...OT...This is excellent

Thank you for sharing.......my son a Navy Man, gets a copy of this today as well as my daughter who may not be aware of the meaning behind this extremely touching gesture. Thank you again......

Reply by rengel on 4/6/06 2:37pm
Msg #111612

Thanks for sharing that. I was just at the funeral for a fallen soldier this past Saturday as a member of the Patriot Guard Riders. I won't go into what the Patriot Guard Riders is here, but if you are interested, the link is www.patriotguard.org. And yes, I am a female rider.

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 4/6/06 3:33pm
Msg #111631

rengel...Thank You for that link!

Patriot Guard now has 4 new bikers. I, too, am a female rider. Hope to attend the CO get together in June at Blue Mesa, near Gunnison. Thanks again, it a great group with a wonderful mission.
Bonnie

Reply by BP/WV on 4/6/06 4:10pm
Msg #111642

Very nice...but let me put my funeral service hat on

Since it is about the servicemen/women of the United States, the word coffin should be changed to casket. A casket, which has four sides, is the most common resting vessel used in the United States. They can be made of metal or wood. A coffin has six sides and can rarely be found in the USA for burial. Coffins are made of wood and sometimes (if the family is wealthy enough) glass.

Thank you for sharing. I am definately sending this one out.