Honoring America

Tomorrow we celebrate Independence Day here in the States. It is a special day celebrating our many blessings and freedoms.

We have these many freedoms because of the men and women that have died for us. 

The above flag rested on my father-in-law's coffin this last February. He was a Marine in World War II, Korea and Viet Nam. He received the Silver Star, Bronze Star and two purple hearts.

When the flag was lifted from the coffin it was folded very carefully thirteen times by two young Marines and given to my husband. Each of the thirteen folds is symbolic and I thought you might enjoy knowing the history of the folds. It kind of represents who we are as Americans. 

First Fold: Symbol of Life

Second Fold: Symbol of our belief in eternal life

Third Fold: Honor and remembrance of the veterans who gave a portion of their lives for the defence of our country and to attain peace throughout the world

Fourth Fold: Trust in God in times of peace and war for His divine guidance

Fifth 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"

Sixth Fold: With our hearts we pledge allegiance to America

Seventh Fold: Tribute to our Armed Forces

Eighth Fold: Tribute to  those that have entered the valley of the shadow of death

Ninth Fold: Tribute to womanhood through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion the character of our country has been molded

Tenth Fold: Tribute to fathers

Eleventh Fold: Represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon's and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Twelfth Fold: Represents God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit

Thirteenth Fold: The uppermost stars reminds us of our Nation's motto "In God We Trust". 

After the flag is folded is takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones.

Happy Independence Day!