Honor After the Fall

[TG_Bubba]

I thought I would share this......

Honor After the Fall

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 somethin! g 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.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of "Liberty and Freedom."

[Trooper]

anyone else feel choked up after reading that story in that link?

[perry]

When a flag is presented to the widow / next of kin, three empty shell casings from the 21 gun salute are placed inside of it. What do they stand for?

[Trooper]

The three rounds represent duty, honor, and courage and they are folded into the flag and given to the family. All this while the sound of Taps plays overhead

http://www.prx.org/pieces/7543/stationinfo

about 3/4 the way down it says that

[leejo]

Is this just for soldiers who die in the line of duty? I have my grandfather's flag and didn't feel casings. They may be there but I don't want to unfold the flag.

[TG_Bubba]

Not all Flags get the casings from what I hear. My dads does not have them, he was retired when he passed away. Maybe it is an active duty death. I will have to do a little research.

[leejo]

I bet that's it. Active duty.

[perry]

My dad was active duty when he went in to the hospital but was retired when he was in the hospital by my mom using his power of attorney.. So, he was technically retired but had died after being admitted to the hospital while on active duty, which I guess put him in a special category (at least for benefits purposes, which is why mom retired him). Anyways, I saw the color guard put the shell casings in the flag before presenting it to mom and distinctly remembering him telling her what they stand for, but had forgotten the "c" word -- I was thinking country. There was a second flag presented to his mother, but I don't know if it has the shell casings.

This article has a different take on the gun salute.

[Drizzid]

Anytime Taps is played I get goosebumps, it shakes the very fabric of the human soul. +rep Bubba great find!

[WhiskeySix]

Originally Posted by Trooper[SNPR]

anyone else feel choked up after reading that story in that link?

yeah. <phew> didn't expect to be but damn...