M is for Military Funerals

Welcome to Day 13 of the Blogging A-Z April Challenge!

Each day in April (except Sundays) I will be posting here, and the posts will be in alphabetical order!  And because I have a wide variety of interests, this blog will live up to it's name.  Totally random and mostly unrelated topics. And lots of pics!

For some shameless self-promotion, I have 2 other blogs in the challenge, too.
Check them out!
Maple Grove Cemetery - Halloween related, but don't worry - no gore.
The Life of Lisa - weight loss / health related. 

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This topic touches a chord deep inside of me.  I am one of those people who can be brought to tears by a simple fly-over at a football game or hearing the National Anthem and if you want to see me a total blubbering mess, just play Taps. 

Did you know…

at military funerals the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed…

the Honor Guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding 

the United States Flag 13 times?

This is what those 13 folds mean. 

The 1st fold

is a symbol of life.

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 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 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.

Yes, I did serve my country for 8 years in the US Navy.  But I don't expect to be buried at Arlington.  In my eyes, Arlington is for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and deserve that honor.  But I will have one of those brass plaques on my stone. 

PC2(AW) Lisa Marie Owens - Love

USN 1992-2000

ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.