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I
feel that I am wealthy
Although I may be poor
American so rich in love
With spirit that endures
Mountains so magnificent
Eagles soaring high
Loyal flag that's flying
My colors fill the sky
I know that I'm protected
By hearts of love that care
My home it will be guarded
By land by sea and air
So fortunate I always feel
Born to a land that's free
Sing out loud with joyous praise
My right to Liberty
All of us a melting pot
Of people of all lands
Joined in special brotherhood
That makes our country grand
Look across the many roads
We travel endlessly
Each one holds the spirit of
Those who fought for me
So proud to be American
To stand up and be tall
Watch us gather like the wind
Protecting one and all
God Bless America
I say this with such grace
Bow my head in gratitude
For country I embrace.
~
Francine
Pucillo ~
Why
the American Flag is Folded Thirteen Times
Have
you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals
that
the honor guard pays meticulous attention to
correctly
folding the American flag 13 times?
I've
known how the 21 gun salute was determined
(adding
the individual digits of 1776), but only
recently
learned why the flag was folded 13
times
when it is lowered or when it is folded and
handed
to the widow at the burial of a veteran.
1)
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of
life.
2)
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in
eternal
life.
3)
The third fold is made in honor and
remembrance of
the
veterans departing our ranks who gave a
portion of
their
lives for the defense of our country to attain
peace
throughout the world.
4)
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 time of war
for
5)
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."
6)
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.
7)
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
8)
The eighth 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, and to honor mother, for
whom it
9)
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; 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.
10)
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for
he,
too,
has given his sons and daughters for the
defense
of
our country since they were first born.
11)
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.
12)
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
13)
When the flag is completely folded, the stars
are
uppermost
reminding us of our nation's motto, "In
God
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 us the
rights,
privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
 
Your Destiny's
Desire © 2001.
All rights reserved.
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