Navy For Moms

Beverly Staton

The Folded American Flag (The Meaning Of Each Fold)

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.

May God Bless every man, woman and child who ever fought in defense of this country I love so much,

And may God Bless these, the United States of America.

Sincerely,
Beverly Staton

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Jill I Comment by Jill I on November 14, 2009 at 5:55am
Interesting discussion. I am an Army vet and did serve at funerals several times (performing flag folding even). I was never told of any symbolism at all. I just thought of my fallen brother or sister and the gift they gave.

Thanks to all for adding what they know. Anti is very generous and humble, and shares her knowledge with many new people here. She has taught me a lot. Special thanks to her.
CCR Comment by CCR on November 15, 2009 at 1:40am
Ditto what Hobbit's Mom said. Shame on those who tried to turn it into a circus. For the sake of having your own drama. Good Grief.
Debbie Comment by Debbie on November 15, 2009 at 12:19pm
BRAVO Beverly!!!! You are very well spoken and entirely correct in your assessment of the dubious "posse".
I, as a veteran of the US Air Force appreciate your correct informative descriptive of the meaning of the folding of the Flag.
My son has placed anti in her place as she has misinformed people in the past. Her "past" service while was honorable at the time is what it is ..past. She should stop trying to be the know it all of all things military. She and doc's mom should keep their rude comments to themselves or on their own liberal site where their snide remarks might be welcome.
Thank you Beverly for your contribution to this site. I am an officer of our local Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and we do use this descriptive when we have our Flag Day service.
And thank you for your child's service to our great nation.
TexasDocMom Comment by TexasDocMom on November 15, 2009 at 12:37pm
Interesting that there's a few of "them" coming out from under the rocks and speaking out instead of sending those hidden messages! welcome, been a long time..isn't it a pain in the butt that not all Navy moms are far right wing neo cons who insist that all follow the same religious beliefs? I know it's a thorn in your sides, so glad we can still poke it and make it throb!

beautful day here in Texas, love my Sunday mornings my way, ya'll enjoy yours! Hope all of our sailors are safe and sound where ever they may be!

Ya'll have fun, now, here? just start screaming at will any old time!!
Beverly Staton Comment by Beverly Staton on November 15, 2009 at 2:25pm
Well, as funny as this got, I cannot believe I let myself get drawn into it this deeply. So. I am going to do my best to fix it. I’ve thought about this entire situation, not just this post, all yesterday and finally came to a new post it’s self.
All are welcome to read or not.
Love and Prayers,
Beverly

http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/everyone-has-a-write-to-be
Dolores Comment by Dolores on November 15, 2009 at 4:14pm
Beverly ... thank you for the post and information. Nothing is written in stone when it comes to any of our military branches for those of you who think we come from under stones. ssst, ssst. I along with MANY other Navy moms are laughing right along with you Beverly .... everything has to be a political issue with some (which by the way has nothing to do with what Beverly's initial intent was on posting this beautiful blog). If you don't agree with a member and you call them names like "right wing neo cons " just because Beverly stood her ground (good for you Beverly!!!) don't expect all to just bow out !! You can bully all you want .... has no bearing on the positive feedback and credit that Beverly deserves!!!! WELL DONE BEVERLY AND THANK YOU .... what's so hard about posting that!!!!!!!???????

Oh ... and by the way ... I will not follow my comment since I'm not interested in any negative break down of it. It's still my opinion no matter what anyone else thinks or writes .... yes ~ THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~ we still have freedom of speech in this wonderful country of ours!!!!!
Debbie Comment by Debbie on November 15, 2009 at 4:44pm
I thank God that I live in a country where I can be a Conservative Christian and support my beliefs.
Lynne Comment by Lynne on November 15, 2009 at 5:05pm
Beverly - YOU GO GIRL! I have been affiliated with the United States Navy since 1983. I have been to ceremonies where the meaning as you posted was given and have been to other’s where it was not.

Those in the said posse believe that if it pour’s out of their mouths then it is true. Since they had no knowledge of what you posted they attacked. That is their favorite thing to do - act self righteous and above all when in truth, 98% of the info that this posse spews is incorrect. PERIOD. They are horrible, miserable little people who get off on belittling others. Their attacks have made many a new mom leave this site because of their pure hatefulness. As we say in the south they are mean and ugly. Please note I keep a record - for the record, of all the mom’s who have contacted me because of this posse’s attacks. You never know when you may need the fact’s - time, date, statements…….

I thank you for your post Beverly and I am so happy to see you standing up to the bullies! It has been very entertaining!

I am with you Dolores - could care less what those evil folks think, I won't follow either!
Katynorth Comment by Katynorth on November 15, 2009 at 7:52pm
Kudos, Beverly. The Adams family has emerged from their dungeons to attempt to spread more of their vile; they've been submerged so long in their dark side, that they've forgotten what the light can bring to their lives. Keep them in your prayers always because Satan has truly overtaken them.
One,Two,Three Comment by One,Two,Three on November 15, 2009 at 8:26pm
Beverly, I love your blog. Very interesting. It's great to be on this site to share so much information with others.Thank you again for posting this.

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