Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, began following the Civil War on May 30th. It became an official federal holiday in 1971 and changed to the last Monday in May. Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service, while Veterans Day in November celebrates the service of all U.S. Military veterans.
I never wanted to discuss death! In my fantasy world, Odis and I would go in the rapture! When he tried to talk to me about it, I didn’t want to hear anything different! Odis was a planner and said, “I’ve written everything down and emailing it to you with a printed copy in my planner!”
When it happened unexpectedly, his instructions made a hard task easier! Odis was an Army Veteran, and one of his instructions was to have a flag-draped coffin with taps played at the cemetery!
As I watched the soldier make each fold carefully and meticulously, I did not realize there were 13 folds, our special number, and each one had a meaning!
Reading the reasons for each fold makes it more special, and the number of folds is icing on the cake!!
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 honors and remembers veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives to defend their 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 to 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 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 flag against all her enemies, whether foreign or domestic.
The 8th fold is a tribute to the ones who entered 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, love, loyalty, and devotion that molded the character of the men and women who made this country great.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for our country's defense.
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 God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit in the Christian's eyes.
With the completion of the 13th fold, the stars are uppermost, reminding the soldier of the 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 all the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. It is a symbol of 'Liberty and Freedom.'
I love you, Odis, and thank you for your service to our country and your undying love for me!
Thank you to all fallen soldiers honored this day for the freedoms we enjoy.
#MemorialDay #honor #soldiers #ArmedForces #InGodWeTrust #FoldsoftheFlag
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