Did you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
(One may find slight variations on this topic, but the following is generally accepted as a common description of folding the American flag.)
All Americans should be given a lesson on the significance of our flag draped over the coffin of one who served the country. Those who think that the United States of America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider. The founding fathers used God’s Word and Christian teachings to establish the nation, and it is time Americans are reminded of this nation’s history.
Take the time to read this, to understand what the flag draped over the coffin really means, the flag that is surrendered to so many widows and widowers. Pass this message 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.
Have you ever noticed how the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You may have 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; 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 our armed forces, for it is through 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.
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, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, 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 in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, 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 fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christian’s eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it 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, 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 when you see flags folded, you will know a little more. So, share this with the children you love, and all others who love the symbol of liberty and freedom.
Taken from Wikipedia and other sources, including Charles F. Hamblen, American Legion Post 37, Department of Florida. See also a website dedicated to the American flag (http://www.usflag.org/foldflag.html)









The story goes that a child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible. This is reportedly what was written. (You may wonder, as do I, how old this ‘child’ was when this was written, but it does humorously point out what we may too often take for granted, namely that children really understand what we are teaching.)
1.She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she’d done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, “But Grandma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!” I will probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye….
The story is that during a recent password audit by Microsoft & Google, it was found that a blonde (why is it always the blonde?) was using the following password:
Here’s the way it should be: