>               Meaning of a 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?
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>
>
>               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.