Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin

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 c ountry 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.

reply to post by imd12c4funn


Thank you, a star and flag for you!

My father's flag is proudly displayed in my family room. Thanks to you I now have a better understanding of it's meaning, and something my son and I can talk about when we pay tribute to his Grandfather.

God Bless All Who Serve!

My grandfather had a military funeral and the 21 gun salute.


I really had no idea each fold of the flag had a meaning.

Warmest thanks for all veterans and present members of the military.

www.snopes.com...

The flag is folded as such because when you fold it like that, there is a tab that folds under and keeps the shape. It's done the same way you fold a paper football in highschool.

Sorry, but I don't think any of what you said is true. The in god we trust part really says false to me, as that was only done on money like in the 50's or something and is only allowed because the federal reserve is a private bank, not a federal department.

I use to do 21 gun salutes in the military. But of the funeral variety which is apparently different.



[edit on 8-9-2008 by badmedia]

I think it does a great disservice to the departed to trivialise the ritual into numerology and semantics of folds.

It would be better to take the ceremony in its intent, which I think of as an acting out of this:

Dear Madam: I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant-General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. Yours very sincerely and respectfully, Abraham Lincoln.

Every flag draped coffin is an altar of freedom.

[edit on 8-9-2008 by 44soulslayer]

reply to post by 44soulslayer


There is only one thing I wish more than not having such a flag adorn my Brothers Coffin.

That is a wish to never see what I saw in my Mother's eyes when, after the final fold, She was presented with the perfectly folded flag that had covered His coffin.

I appreciate the "Abe" quote, but I disagree that any coffin is an alter, no matter how free. A Sovergn Nation's Citizens, in my opinion, would be better to call such symbolic of freedom, but not an alter of freedom.