Have you ever wondered why the flag of the
United States of America is folded 13 times
when it is lowered or when it is folded and
handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran?
Here is the meaning of each of those folds and
what it means to you.

• 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 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 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."
• 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, their 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 our 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 their 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
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
werefollowed by their 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.