Saturday, November 21, 2009

Flag folding

Today, we attended a flag folding ceremony by our local VFW. The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts were invited. Did you know that when the flag is folded, each fold means something? Here is what was read, explaining the symbolism for each fold:

1st fold - A symbol of life

2nd fold - Our belief in the eternal life

3rd fold - Made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world

4th fold - Represents our weaker nature, for 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.

5th fold - 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.*

6th fold - 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.

7th fold - a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is thru 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.

8th fold - a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mothers day.

9th fold - a tribute to womanhood; for it has been thru their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

10th fold - a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

11th fold - in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, 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.

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.

I found this all fascinating. It gave me a whole new respect for the flag. In the picture below, David is the Scout facing the veterans folding the flag, with the darkest pants. (He is wearing his Merit Badge sash.)

And here is a pic of Jimmy, he was filling his dump truck with rocks during the ceremony... :o)

Not much sewing going on this week. Jim has pneumonia. He still has been going to work, while on antibiotics. Cannot afford to miss work, with 4 kids, and Christmas QUICKLY approaching!
Thanks so much for visiting!
P.S. If you have not signed up for my Christmas Baskets wallhanging give-away yet, please do! You can see my post and sign up HERE.

5 comments:

DeAnna said...

Very interesting. I didn't know all that. Thank you so much for sharing! Sounds like you all had a great day. Hope that Jim feels better soon. It's miserable working when sick. He will be in my prayers.

Hazel said...

Thats interesting ,of course I wouldn't know that being Canadian but I still enjoyed the information .

Shirley said...

That's so neat Angela. I wonder if Canadians have something the same. The only thing I do know is that you should never let the flag touch the ground.. that shows a lack of respect.

Laurie said...

Oh, poor Jim! I hope he's well, soon! I love the flag folding ceremony, too -- so, so meaningful!

Shutterbugs said...

Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting! I knew each fold meant something, but had never seen it down like that. Very interesting! Great pictures, and great blog!!!!! Patty