thedrifter
06-13-07, 06:04 AM
Fly the American flag June 14
Have you ever been to a military funeral or seen the retiring of our American flag? The flag is ceremoniously folded into 13 folds. Many believe the number 13 stands for the original 13 colonies, but in fact each fold holds its own special meaning.
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The third is 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 peace throughout the world.
The fourth 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.
The fifth is a 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."
The sixth is for where our hearts lie. It is with our hearts 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.
The seventh is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth is 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 Mother's Day.
The ninth is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The 10th is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The 11th, 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.
The 12th, 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.
The 13th fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."
Once the flag is completely folded and tucked in it resembles the hat that the soldiers under General George Washington and the Marines and Sailors under Captain John Paul Jones wore. This also stands as a reminder of what all our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines (both active duty and National Guard/Reserves) have done and are doing today to preserve the very freedoms we enjoy.
Did you know that the red on our flag stands for valor and hardiness, the white for innocence and purity, and the blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice?
Our veterans (both past and present), our brave men and women presently serving in the Armed Forces, and their families all deserve our undying gratitude, honor, and respect. One of the best ways to show our gratitude, honor, and respect for their sacrifices is to fly the American flag. Many a mother/father or husband/wife has been handed a folded American flag that was draped on the casket of a loved one who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Let's show our heroes how grateful we in Clermont County are by proudly displaying the American flag at our homes and businesses Flag Day, June 14. God bless America, our veterans and our troops!
Bob Proud is a Clermont County commissioner.
Ellie
Have you ever been to a military funeral or seen the retiring of our American flag? The flag is ceremoniously folded into 13 folds. Many believe the number 13 stands for the original 13 colonies, but in fact each fold holds its own special meaning.
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The third is 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 peace throughout the world.
The fourth 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.
The fifth is a 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."
The sixth is for where our hearts lie. It is with our hearts 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.
The seventh is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth is 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 Mother's Day.
The ninth is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The 10th is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The 11th, 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.
The 12th, 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.
The 13th fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."
Once the flag is completely folded and tucked in it resembles the hat that the soldiers under General George Washington and the Marines and Sailors under Captain John Paul Jones wore. This also stands as a reminder of what all our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines (both active duty and National Guard/Reserves) have done and are doing today to preserve the very freedoms we enjoy.
Did you know that the red on our flag stands for valor and hardiness, the white for innocence and purity, and the blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice?
Our veterans (both past and present), our brave men and women presently serving in the Armed Forces, and their families all deserve our undying gratitude, honor, and respect. One of the best ways to show our gratitude, honor, and respect for their sacrifices is to fly the American flag. Many a mother/father or husband/wife has been handed a folded American flag that was draped on the casket of a loved one who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Let's show our heroes how grateful we in Clermont County are by proudly displaying the American flag at our homes and businesses Flag Day, June 14. God bless America, our veterans and our troops!
Bob Proud is a Clermont County commissioner.
Ellie