When another saint is laid to rest.
This past weekend we laid my brother Dexter to rest. His body was interned with military honors as it is with all veterans. During the ceremony of the folding of the flag, we were amazed how even the small children in the crowd were absolutely silent. You could have literally heard a pin drop. Everyone knew what was going on was a solemn moment, and respect was given, even by the young.
We are so privileged to live in a country which was established on religious freedom and unalienable, (cannot be taken away or denied), rights. Which are those of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We have gotten so caught up in political correctness that these rights are being taken away one by one, along with the respect of our flag and country. Did you know what it means when the military personal fold a flag over a casket? I am proud of this and what my country stands for!
The folding of the flag
The 1st fold of the flag 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 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.
Does that put the folding of the flag in a new perspective for you? GOOD!
As parents it is important that we teach our children to honor and respect, God, Country and the American flag! These things are not taught in our schools anymore. It is up to each and every one of us to teach our children about how precious life is, how important the assurance of eternal life is, and to be part of a God fearing nation. If you don’t teach them, how will they ever respect the Bible, the Flag and their Country?
We as authors, are given the privilege and honor to spread the truth about how this country was formed, and how to keep it the Great Nation it has been. If we take God out of the equation, what will we have left? Nothing worth fighting for or respecting!
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Psalms 116:15
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
John 5:28-29
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4: 13, 16-17
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that
believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth
and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
John 11:25-26