| The 12 Folds of Our Flag Here the first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance. The fifth fold 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 is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart 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 is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother's day. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost. |
| 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 Gorge 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 the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. |
| The Pledge of Allegiance I 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. |
| I AM YOUR FLAG I was born June 14, 1777 I am more than just cloth shaped into a design. I am the refuge of the world's oppressed people. I am the silent sentinel of Freedom. I am the emblem of the greatest sovereign nation on earth. I am the inspiration for which American patriots gave their lives and fortunes. I have led your sons and daughters into battle From Valley Forge to the jungles of Vietnam and the deserts of Iraq. I walk in silence with each of your Honored Dead to their final resting place Beneath silent white crosses, row upon row. I have flown through peace and war, strife and prosperity, And amidst it all I have been respected. My red stripes symbolize the blood spilled in defense of this glorious Nation. My white stripes signify the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their sons and daughters. My blue field is indicative of God's heaven, under which I fly. My stars, clustered together, unify 50 states as one, for God and Country. "Old Glory" is my nickname, and proudly I wave on high. Honor me, respect me, defend me with your lives and fortunes. Never let my enemies tear me down from my lofty position, lest I never return. Keep alight the fires of patriotism, strive earnestly for the spirit of democracy. Worship Eternal God, and keep His Commandments and I shall remain the bulwark of peace and freedom for all mankind. Original I AM YOUR FLAG Written by Marine Master Sergeant Percy Webb for a Flag booklet distributed in 1933 |
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| Legion Chaplain by Chaplain Jim Bellew |
| Legion Chaplain by Chaplain Jim Bellew |
| © 2006 Legion Chaplain - This site was written and is maintained by Chaplain Jim Bellew @ Call Your Office For inquires, send email to admin at legionchaplain.com or call 303-495-3152 |
| Folding the Flag a) Straighten out the flag to full length and fold lengthwise once. (b) Fold it lengthwise a second time to meet the open edge, making sure that the union of stars on the blue field remains outward in full view. (A large flag may have to be folded lengthwise a third time.) (c) A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge. (d) The outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge to form a second triangle. (e) The diagonal or triangular folding is continued toward the blue union until the end is reached, with only the blue showing and the form being that of a cocked (three corner) hat. |