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The Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin..

E

EastTexasGal

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I guess I had never known the true meaning and wished I could have posted the pictures that was with the email. The folding I had no idea each one meant something. Just always was taught that the folding was respect to our nation, and the ones that died for it.

Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin.
All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history. Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to protect our "GOD GIVEN" rights and freedoms.

I hope you take the time to read this..... To understand what the flag draped coffin really means...... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.

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 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 alwa ys 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 ship mates 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."

MAYBE THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD READ THIS EXPLANATION BEFORE THEY RENDER THEIR DECISION ON THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

IN THE MEANTIME, MAY GOD PROTECT US ALWAYS.

ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
 
That is profound. Why aren't our children taught those things?
Why wasn't I TAUGHT that when I was in school?

We are missing some important things in this country. As a nation,
is very slack when it comes to history. History should have more
importance in the schools.

Heck, I never (and still don't) know history as I should. But I did
have a teacher in high school that made it very interesting. I hated history as a junior, but he made it so interesting that I elected to take it again as a senior. He was the best teacher I ever had, as far as teaching me something I wasn't interested in to start with. That's when the good ones shine through.

I am going to take this into our newspaper with me and it will see
print.

Thank you for posting this.
 
You just brought up a battle I fought while on the school board..

Back when I was in grade school the flag was raised and lowered daily by students- an honor you were chosen for by good work or some merit system (but every student got their week)...The teacher and/or principal assisted the students and taught them how to properly fly the flag, to never let it touch the ground, and how to properly fold it...I remember I couldn't hardly wait until it was my turn- and was really excited a time or two when I was chosen to replace an absent student.....

We got a new elementary principal that cut out that duty saying it was too disruptive to the teaching environment for the students/ and served no educational purpose- he had a janitor raising and taking down a wadded up flag...

I about had kittens :mad: :mad: What in the H could be more important than teaching the traditons of our country.... And I did get good backing from the rest of the board and the janitor policy was overturned-- but that Principal hated me forever- altho he didn't stay with the system long- after I called him a hard hearted SOB on another incident he took a 2 year sabbatical and then retired :wink:
 
Oldtimer said:
You just brought up a battle I fought while on the school board..

Back when I was in grade school the flag was raised and lowered daily by students- an honor you were chosen for by good work or some merit system (but every student got their week)...The teacher and/or principal assisted the students and taught them how to properly fly the flag, to never let it touch the ground, and how to properly fold it...I remember I couldn't hardly wait until it was my turn- and was really excited a time or two when I was chosen to replace an absent student.....

We got a new elementary principal that cut out that duty saying it was too disruptive to the teaching environment for the students/ and served no educational purpose- he had a janitor raising and taking down a wadded up flag...

I about had kittens :mad: :mad: What in the H could be more important than teaching the traditons of our country.... And I did get good backing from the rest of the board and the janitor policy was overturned-- but that Principal hated me forever- altho he didn't stay with the system long- after I called him a hard hearted SOB on another incident he took a 2 year sabbatical and then retired :wink:
Click to expand...

Good for you, Oldtimer. A guy has to stand up for what is right, and let the chips fall where they may.
 
I remember as a 6th grader we all took turns as the flag attendants......it was a very proud duty.

one time the kids put it upside down, and a veteran stopped into the school to see how things were going. he was brought into our room and told us that the upside down flag is a sign of distress and the reason he stopped was to see if everything was ok.
we ended up asking ?'s about his service in WWII and it was the day I learned the most in my elementary years.
 
What is the origin of the 21-gun salute?

The use of gun salutes for military occasions is traced to early warriors who demonstrated their peaceful intentions by placing their weapons in a position that rendered them ineffective. Apparently this custom was universal, with the specific act varying with time and place, depending on the weapons being used. A North African tribe, for example, trailed the points of their spears on the ground to indicate that they did not mean to be hostile.

The tradition of rendering a salute by cannon originated in the 14th century as firearms and cannons came into use. Since these early devices contained only one projectile, discharging them once rendered them ineffective. Originally warships fired seven-gun salutes--the number seven probably selected because of its astrological and Biblical significance. Seven planets had been identified and the phases of the moon changed every seven days. The Bible states that God rested on the seventh day after Creation, that every seventh year was sabbatical and that the seven times seventh year ushered in the Jubilee year.

Land batteries, having a greater supply of gunpowder, were able to fire three guns for every shot fired afloat, hence the salute by shore batteries was 21 guns. The multiple of three probably was chosen because of the mystical significance of the number three in many ancient civilizations. Early gunpowder, composed mainly of sodium nitrate, spoiled easily at sea, but could be kept cooler and drier in land magazines. When potassium nitrate improved the quality of gunpowder, ships at sea adopted the salute of 21 guns.

The 21-gun salute became the highest honor a nation rendered. Varying customs among the maritime powers led to confusion in saluting and return of salutes. Great Britain, the world's preeminent seapower in the 18th and 19th centuries, compelled weaker nations to salute first, and for a time monarchies received more guns than did republics. Eventually, by agreement, the international salute was established at 21 guns, although the United States did not agree on this procedure until August 1875.

The gun salute system of the United States has changed considerably over the years. In 1810, the "national salute" was defined by the War Department as equal to the number of states in the Union--at that time 17. This salute was fired by all U.S. military installations at 1:00 p.m. (later at noon) on Independence Day. The President also received a salute equal to the number of states whenever he visited a military installation.

In 1842, the Presidential salute was formally established at 21 guns. In 1890, regulations designated the "national salute" as 21 guns and redesignated the traditional Independence Day salute, the "Salute to the Union," equal to the number of states. Fifty guns are also fired on all military installations equipped to do so at the close of the day of the funeral of a President, ex-President, or President-elect.

Today the national salute of 21 guns is fired in honor of a national flag, the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of a reigning royal family, and the President, ex-President and President-elect of the United States. It is also fired at noon of the day of the funeral of a President, ex-President, or President-elect.

Gun salutes are also rendered to other military and civilian leaders of this and other nations. The number of guns is based on their protocol rank. These salutes are always in odd numbers.

Source: Headquarters, Military District of Washington, FACT SHEET: GUN SALUTES, May 1969.
 
Thanks for posting this Easty,I spent many childhood days raisin ole glory in the morning,lowering and foldin her in the afternoon,nowadays folks just raise a flag,leave it up till it wears out,then raise another.............good luck
 
Thanks for posting this Easty. After you shared the link with me I went back and read some more to see how much I have forgotten.hmmm I seem to have forgotten one Major part of the Flag Etiquette.......
Flag Etiquette
STANDARDS of RESPECT
The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:

The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
Click to expand...

How many of us this past 4th had flags on napkins~plates~tablecloths?
I know I have in the past....
Now I have to wonder about a sweater I have....has a flag knitted into the front. Do I wear it? If not what do I do with it?
 

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