Moved to tears several times, I sat – one among hundreds – with fellow veterans, community members, and middle school students in the Franklin Middle School gymnasium today to remember and honor those who uprightly wore the cloth of this great nation in her service for a period of few or many years.
I thank and remember each such veteran.
May those who gave the ultimate find peace in their mortal to immortal transfer.
We miss them but vow to never forget them. I stood and applauded for them today.
I stood for another hero today: Old Glory. She has my deepest admiration, my heartfelt allegiance, my fondest respect. I love her. I cherish what she symbolizes. I appreciate that she is donned in white, red, and blue. God upheld and made victorious the purity of her original cause. Her resolute valor inspires me, and though not perfect, she seeks justice and is vigilant in her mission.
She is glorious as she dances in waving splendor, and she is equally magnificent as she tucks herself into each symbolic fold.
Old Glory is our American emblem – she who represents so much that we hold dear. I hold her dear.
Decent and moral veterans love her. They have, time and time again, charged forward in battle keeping her upright because she was the symbol of all they hoped to obtain or preserve.
And so on this day when we honor veterans, let us also honor our flag. God fearing and country loving veterans are an extension and expression of all is embodied in The Stars and Stripes.
Today, may I tell you (if you don’t know or remind you if you do) of the meaning behind each of the 13 folds of the flag of the United States of America? They are “the same religious principles on which the United States was originally founded.” (The Meaning Behind the 13 Folds of Old Glory)
“The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The 4th fold represents our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn to in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.
The 5th fold is a tribute to our country. 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 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 7th 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 enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our 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, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood. It has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that has molded the character of the men and women who have made this country great.
The 10th fold is a tribute to father, who has also given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.
The 13th and last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, ‘In God We Trust.’ ” (The Meaning Behind the 13 Folds of Old Glory)
I was so proud of Franklin Middle School today for so beautifully and honorably honoring our nation’s freedom fighters and our great American symbol, our treasured flag.
I salute them both!
Unto all the world: God be thanked for every honorable veteran, and God be thanked for Old Glory.
Leave a Reply