The Meaning of a Flag Draped Coffin

[kat8585]

Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin

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' 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 l ie. It i s with their heart that They pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America�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.

[meliy]

This was beautiful, my grandfather was just laid to rest last year with military honor. Thank you for this. I will share.

[nebula]

Is there a reference for this?

I'd love to share this with others, but it would be best to have some official "tag" to the info.

thanks!

[David of Derby]

Twenty-one gun salute? You mean when the soldiers fire the rifles into the air? That's not a twenty-gun salute. A salute, of any number of guns, is done with cannons. From ships. A twenty-one gun salute is for royalty alone.

[kat8585]

Is there a reference for this?

I'd love to share this with others, but it would be best to have some official "tag" to the info.

thanks!

I got it in an email. No tags.

[irishcowboy]

Twenty-one gun salute? You mean when the soldiers fire the rifles into the air? That's not a twenty-gun salute. A salute, of any number of guns, is done with cannons. From ships. A twenty-one gun salute is for royalty alone.

used when two ships were passing, to show the other honor by discharging their guns (cannons) so the other ship would know they meant no harm.....

the superior nations flag, being dipped (dropped down a slight bit) after the other nations flag was dipped first...

The USA does not dip their flag prior to any other nation....

gun salutes start at 5 gun, and increase in numbers by 2 with no more then 21 guns.....

21-gun (royal salute) U. S. presidents, ex-presidents, and presidents-elect. Chiefs of state, heads of government, members of a reigning royal family.

In the United States, a 21-gun salute is fired on Washington's Birthday and Memorial Day.

U. S. officers abroad may salute any dignitary in his or her own country with the number of guns with which that country salutes that person, up to a 19-gun salute

[~pearl]

Twenty-one gun salute? You mean when the soldiers fire the rifles into the air? That's not a twenty-gun salute. A salute, of any number of guns, is done with cannons. From ships. A twenty-one gun salute is for royalty alone.

David is correct, altho we do call it a 21 gun salute here in the U.S.. It is actually called a 3 volley salute or something to that effect, performed by 7 fellow military personel to honor a fallen soldier who has been awarded honors.

I didnt know all that about the flag folding ceremony. Thats really neat and I hope it is true.

[David of Derby]

I was going to comment on the US refusing to dip their flag in the interests of diplomacy and generally not observing proper form, but it wouldn't have been very diplomatic.

[EricH]

I was going to comment on the US refusing to dip their flag in the interests of diplomacy and generally not observing proper form, but it wouldn't have been very diplomatic.

Actually you did mention it.

[Hunterpoet]

Twenty-one gun salute? You mean when the soldiers fire the rifles into the air? That's not a twenty-gun salute. A salute, of any number of guns, is done with cannons. From ships. A twenty-one gun salute is for royalty alone.

Depends on which side of the Atlantic your on. We honor our war dead with a 21 gun salute.