Mark's weekly blogging

The Flag Draped Coffin.

While many may think the American flag is meticulously folded 13 times to symbolize the original 13 colonies, below is the following is an explanation to dispel this myth.

The 1st fold symbolizes life.

The 2nd fold represents a belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made to honor and remember the veterans who risked their lives for the defense of the country and to obtain peace in the world.

The 4th fold embodies human nature, for as American citizens we turn to God in times of peace and 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 where people's hearts lie. It is within their heart that they 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 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is the Armed Forces that protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they are found inside or outside the boundaries of our 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 is their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that has molded the character of those who have made this country great.

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 Hebrew’s eyes the God of Abraham, Isaac

and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christian’s eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The final fold shows the stars at the high point 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 always 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 we all enjoy today.