Inside Mesa

The American Flag - you may have it in a glass case like mine. You may have one flying at home, on every holiday - perhaps always. What does it represent? What does it say to you when you see it draped over a military coffin? What does it have to do with Easter you might ask.Do you think of freedom, sacrifice, the United States of America, our military, ‘In God we trust’? As you read through the meanings of each fold, you will see the depth and breadth of our country, the solid foundation by which it was built.The American Flag draped over a soldier’s coffin, folded 13 times before it’s given to a widow or widower, or a 12 year old child chosen to go….it hangs on a wall in my home. What does each fold mean? A friend sent me the meaning of the folds and much more. I learned at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776. I looked up the familiar documents written then: The Virginia Declaration of Rights and The Declaration of Independence. It was helpful to read through them again, to realize ‘our’ very foundation was built on God, anticipating his guidance, to accept all and strive for unity and the pursuit of happiness. Government was put in place to secure our rights, in one people to disolve the Political Bands that bring people together. When a government becomes destructive it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, to institute new government, laying down a foundation to ensure it’s safety and happiness. I now see clearly the conviction of our President and the appointed task he is committed to as a Christian.Our soldiers remind me of the love of God — his son — our countries sons and daughters laying down their lives, fighting the battle of darkness so that we might have life without fear and destruction. Coming from a military family - all veterans - my father, my children’s father, my son, brother, uncles - all paid the price by going, doing their part…along with millions of others who have and are defending our country. Having faith and a commitment to the U.S, to defend her during war, rumors of war, peace time; my deep respect and appreciation is forever there. I watched with much pain and sadness, afraid of a future without my dad. Aware of all that was going on around me, how did I get there? The loud gunshots that still ring in my ear, the tall cypress trees stretching toward the heavens, they are still there. Watching those in uniform going through a process of honor for one of their own. A surprise, a soldier stands in front of the little girl, his white gloved hands relinquish the flag that had covered him in honor - folded 13 times.If at a military funeral, notice the honor guard pays meticulous attention to our flag of the United States of America, correctly folding it 13 times.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 country 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. Some traditions and ways of doing things have deep meaning. In the future, you’ll see flags folded and now you will know why. I look at the precious flag that draped my father’s coffin, one that died so that we, so that I, might be free.The American flag represents the very essence of America. A place of honor seen by the world, sewed in our hearts. It is a symbol, sometimes tattered and worn, committed to the power of truth and the freedom of all it’s people. Especially that flag that has been draped over a soldiers coffin, making it possible to enjoy life, keeping us free from the enemy..