Each fold represents something different - but what do they each mean?
2006-09-11 16:26:27 · 11 answers · asked by ? 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
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 United States of America 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 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 ****** 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.
Semper Fi
2006-09-11 16:30:39 · answer #1 · answered by USMCstingray 7 · 5⤊ 2⤋
The American Legion has written a poem assigning a purpose for each fold in the 1950s.
The US Military does not assign a meaning to folds. You fold the flag vertically once and then again. The you start at striped end
folding over making triangles until you are at end. You tuck the small part left into fold, turn over so stars are showing & if at funeral present to relative, otherwise lay in safe place.
The poem in beautiful but just new meaning not official.
2006-09-11 16:58:00 · answer #2 · answered by Wolfpacker 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is no true meaning to the folding. There are many versions floating around. They are all unofficial not recognized by the Government or the Armed Forces. The main one is from the Air Force Academy but it has religious connotations which is not accepted by all because of the division between State and Religion and the promotion of one religion. Technically, there is no meaning to it at all other than a show.
2006-09-11 16:40:15 · answer #3 · answered by worldneverchanges 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Each fold represents 1000 Brit soldiers killed by US friendly fire since 1942
2006-09-12 00:47:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I did not know any fold represented anything. I thought it was simply the cleanest way to make a triangle.
2006-09-11 16:28:26 · answer #5 · answered by Daniel M 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The 13 original colonies
2006-09-11 16:32:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
I don't know, but as a non-American, I have to say I find it bordering on the ridiculous that flag folds should mean anything. Talk about patriotism gone wild!
2006-09-11 16:29:18 · answer #7 · answered by Perplexed Music Lover 5 · 2⤊ 6⤋
http://www.usflag.org/foldflag.html
Scroll to bottom, gives each folds representation. Too long to post here.
2006-09-11 16:28:42 · answer #8 · answered by tikitiki 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Each fold represents how many times the government will screw us in our lifetime.
2006-09-11 16:28:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 6⤋
isn't it 13, the original colonies? sorry, my flag knowledge is faded
2006-09-11 16:39:23 · answer #10 · answered by Charles B 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋