Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin...... and its Folding

Some of you may have known this already, but I didn't.
 I think it is a lesson we all need to learn.
 
   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 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.'
   
   MAYBE THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD READ THIS EXPLANATION BEFORE THEY RENDER THEIR 
DECISION ON THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.  
 FORWARD IT..................... MAYBE SOMEONE WITH THE NECESSARY POWER,  OR 
POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL INFLUENCE, WILL GET IT TO THEM.
   IN THE MEANTIME, MAY GOD PROTECT US ALWAYS.
   ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.