Posted on Apr 14, 2015
The Symbolism of a Properly Folded Flag; what does it mean to us now?
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Symbols for the Folds of the Flag
1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; 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.
5. The fifth 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.”
6. The sixth 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 to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
7. The seventh 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.
8. The eighth 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.
9. The ninth fold 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.
10. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
11. 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.
12. The 12th fold, 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.
13. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; 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.
5. The fifth 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.”
6. The sixth 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 to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
7. The seventh 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.
8. The eighth 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.
9. The ninth fold 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.
10. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
11. 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.
12. The 12th fold, 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.
13. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
Posted in these groups: 
Respect
Patriotism
Respect Patriotism
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 26
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I remember doing colors & folding the Flag for the first time it was awesome . I'll never forget it . God bless !
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SFC Charles S.
AA Angelica Taveras Yes, usually our first honor detail is the most memorable. Thank you for your comment. God bless.
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Hillary's answer is a major problem when you consider newer SMs entering the fray. But let's admonish people who think it is about surviving Veterans because while it is that, it is more about interred veterans many who died on the beaches and sands of deserts in the Middle East. It is NOT about people on the left
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SFC Charles S.
SSgt (Join to see) You are right. It is about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I put what difference as a flippant response, in a sarcastic fashion. I am surprised that it actually has two votes. This is such a standard part of military heritage that I didn't expect it to be used. This topic has nothing to do with political affiliation.
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SSgt (Join to see)
I flushed out those who may or may not be in the military to show the childishness and hate for tradition. This is what happens when pride in your condition is relegated to the scrap heaps of humanity. When total anarchy replaces reverence and consideration for others. Where the Mexican Pledge Allegiance is preferred over our own. There is nothing wrong with love of country and you can even see this now in the Olympics. If you play team sports it is the working together what makes the team. It is not about showing someone up as it is the camaraderie and it is that camaraderie that makes the military such a place of common values.
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SFC Charles S.
SSgt (Join to see) once again, I agree with you 100%. Pride and Country go together and we have lost some of that in our nation these days. We are duty bound to try to bring back whatever we possbily can in any areas we see the need. Thank you for your service, I appreciate your commitment.
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I agree with the symbolism even more with all that has happened and having served our nation it goes even deeper in
to to the heart when I see our Flag disparaged and I think of all. The comrades whose funeral details I’ve
Served on and the hurt goes deep..
because they are dishonoring our
Deceased comrades and those who came to our shores seeking a better more secure life..way back before even the statue was erected .. back to as far
when forefathers battled for our country’s independence .. and more. ..
to to the heart when I see our Flag disparaged and I think of all. The comrades whose funeral details I’ve
Served on and the hurt goes deep..
because they are dishonoring our
Deceased comrades and those who came to our shores seeking a better more secure life..way back before even the statue was erected .. back to as far
when forefathers battled for our country’s independence .. and more. ..
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As A Patriot Guard Rider, I had the sad privilege of folding the burial flag for presentation to the family of an 83 year old veteran last Monday. When I got almost to the last fold, I realized I wouldn't have enough for the tuck to stay in. My opposite number realized at the same time. I backed off the fold several times, tightened it down and refolded. This time it came out just right. Needless to say, I felt miserable about it. Our Ride Captain played 'Taps' very well on his trumpet and the services concluded shortly thereafter. We were waiting for the family to clear before we struck our display when the son who received the Flag came up to me. I wanted to wilt and tried to apologize, but he wasn't having any of it. He was so very grateful and proud, that we cared enough to make sure that the flag was folded properly, to honor his father as he deserved. On an impulse, I took off my white parade gloves, paired them together and with his permission, tucked them into the flap so just the fingertips showed. Neither one of us had any words, but I believe we communicated very well indeed.
There is more than one type of symbolism involved with our flag, depending on the occasion. Don't ever let anyone tell you different, the Symbolism matters greatly!
There is more than one type of symbolism involved with our flag, depending on the occasion. Don't ever let anyone tell you different, the Symbolism matters greatly!
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I agree with the symbolism of the 13 folds, but I realize that many people in the United States no longer believe in some or most of these thirteen statements.
I for one, still do!
I for one, still do!
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As a Veteran and an Atheist, the overtly christian drift is not anything I would want done to the flag that will cover my bones. Just leave it at "He served his country in an honorable way and now his body belongs to the cosmos"
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