Why is a Military Funeral Honor Flag folded 13 times?

Answer 1

It stands for the original 13 colonies that started the U.S. at least i think...

Answer 2

Summary of eRumor: Message alleges that there is meaning to each fold of the American flag, for example, at a military funeral when the flag is presented to the family of the person who died. Most of them are of spiritual and religious significance. The Truth: The meaning of the folding of the American flag that is described in this eRumor is not without importance, but it is not official and not required. Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, is the law of the land regarding the handling and displaying of the American flag. It does not include anything regarding the significance or meaning of folding the flag. The code was first adopted by Congress in 1923 and revised numerous times. According to the American Legion, the code does not call for a ceremonial folding of the flag and the folding procedure is also traditional. Same for the meanings of the folds. Nobody seems to know when or where that originated or who wrote it. There is speculation that it may have come from a chaplain who attached the mostly Judeo-Christian religious meanings to the folds, perhaps for a burial ceremony. Official or not, the statement has gained status as the traditional meaning of the folds and was found in many governmental and military manuals and recited at numerous military funerals. In October, 2007, the National Cemetery Administration banned the practice of giving the meaning of the folds of the flag at all national cemeteries, but the decision was quickly revised. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issued a statement on 10/20/07 saying that any recitations at the graveside of a veteran can reflect the wishes of the family. In other words, if the family wants the meaning of the folds to be included, it can be included. One additional note: The eRumor says the 21-gun salute originated from adding the digits of 1776. That is not true. According to Arlington Cemetery, the 21-gun salute evolved from many years of various traditions of honoring dignitaries.

Answer 3

Okay, brace yourself ... and keep in mind this tradition dates back to the origins of the United States military.
The folds, in order from 1 to 13, are symbols of:
1 - life
2 - eternal life
3 - departing veterans
4 - our weakness and need to turn to God for guidance
5 - our country
6 - our hearts and loyalty
7 - The U.S. Armed Forces
8 - The one who entered the valley of the shadow of death, and our mothers (for whom we fly the flag on Mothers' Day)
9 - womanhood
10 - fatherhood
11 - God (the God of Abraham and Isaac)
12 - eternity and the glory of God
13 - our nation's motto, "In God We Trust"
Completely folded/tucked flag resembles a ****** hat, like that of the soldiers serving under General George Washington, the sailers and marines serving under Captain John Paul Jones, and the ongoing commitment of armed services members.

Answer 4

because that is the NUMBER,

If you look on the $1 bill, you will see a pyramid with 13 levels, and a bird with a branch (13 leaves) in onetalon and 13 spears in the other. and there are 13 stripes on the flag

Answer 5

Here is a link to a sight that explains all the symbology of the flag folding ceremony. Enjoy.

Answer 6

because of the 13 original colonies

Answer 7

Each fold has a different meaning:

http://cybersarges.tripod.com/foldedflg.html

Answer 8

hmmm just deleted that out of my email not two weeks ago. i'm pretty sure it is not the 13 colonies. And thought it was worth saving:
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of all 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 fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as Americans citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decature, "Our country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

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.

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 her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

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 mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, there love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of this country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen 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 twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in there eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's 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 Hones, who were followed by the comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

The next time you see a flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in our civilian services such as the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our flag and our Country.


This song is "TAPS" By: John Wayne

This page dedicated and in memory of veterans everywhere and the veterans whom were beloved members of this family.

Louis Lancaster--Survivor WWII prisoner of war Germany.

James Mills--Served in the Us Army.

Brian Mills--Veteran of Bosnia. Lost serving here at home while on duty as a police officer.

John Mono Sr.---Korean war veteran.

John Mono Jr.---served in US AirForce

There are many other members of our family that have retired from service and are still serving. I honor you all past and present. A deeply felt sense of gratitude is felt for all past and present.
God Bless America

Answer 9

One for each original colony

Answer 10

See the source below.