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Comment by ohmeohmi on June 25, 2013 at 5:51pm

With 4th of July coming up, remember what we need to remember, part of which the

newer group don't know yet, but should...about our flag.

By Thornton Parsons

The flag of the United States, or popularly called The American Flag, is the official national flag of our country. The American Flag has also been affectionately known as The Stars and Stripes; The Stars and Bars; The Ole Red, White, and Blue; and of course, Old Glory. Revered as it is by millions of Americans, there are millions more who have grown up without learning the meaning of or respect for our flag. This Flag Day, we all should be reminded of the meaning of Old Glory, and to show our respect.

The Flag of the United States is made up of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red stripes alternating with six white stripes. In the upper corner near the staff is the canton, which is the rectangular blue field, which contains fifty, five-pointed stars.

The stripes symbolize the thirteen colonies which originally constituted the united States of America. At this time, the u in united was not capitalized because at that time, the emphasis was placed on each individual, sovereign State. At this time, the federal government worked for each State, not the individuals of each State working to support the federal government. The stars on the flag represent the States of the Union.

In the language of the Continental Congress, which defined the symbolic meanings of the colors red, white, and blue, “White signifies Purity and Innocence; Red, Hardiness and Valor; and Blue signifies Vigilance, Perseverance, and Justice.”

When the honor guard folds the flag, meticulous attention is paid to each of the thirteen folds. This is not because each fold represents one of the thirteen original colonies, but because the Founding Fathers based and founded our great nation on God’s word, and each of the thirteen folds has a special meaning.

• The first fold in the flag is a symbol of life.
• The second fold in the flag is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
• The third fold in the flag is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
• The fourth fold in the flag 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 fifth fold in the flag is a tribute to our 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 sixth fold in the flag is for where people’s hearts lie. It is with our hearts that We 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 seventh fold in the flag is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that our country is protected, and it’s our flag against all of her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
• The eighth fold in the flag is a tribute to the One who entered the Valley of the Shadow of Death, that we might see the light of day.
• The ninth fold in the flag is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers, for it is 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 tenth fold is a tribute to Fathers, for they, too, have given their sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.
• The eleventh fold in the flag 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 twelfth fold in the flag represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in Christians’ eyes, God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
• The thirteenth fold in the flag, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are 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, which reminds 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 us all of the rights, privileges, and freedoms that we enjoy today.

The tradition of honoring our flag is an American tradition and it is part of our culture and our heritage. Anyone who feels that it is unnecessary to show respect for our flag to honor a country that is so great and has given them so much, please feel free to leave. I feel the same way as the late Lewis Grizzard. If you want to live in a Communist or Socialist country, pick one.  Delta’s ready when you are.”