|
Home
Up
NEWSLETTER -
February 2010
Elks Magazine Online
Florida Elks
Association NewsLetter
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Hall Rental
| |
Did 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 American 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 our flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in
eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance
of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the
defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The 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 time of war for His divine guidance.
The 5th fold 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 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is
with our heart that we 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 her 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. 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 our 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 us of our 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 us the
rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.
There are some traditions and ways of
doing things that have important deep meanings. In the future, when you see
flags folded, nowyou will know why.
|
