In God We Trust: The Meaning of the Folds of the American Flag

When we read something powerful that stirs the soul like the "meaning of the folds of the American flag," traditionally recited by the honor guards during the folding of the flag ceremony at military funerals, which are available to all who have served in the military with honor, we are reminded that America is more than a group of people sharing a common border and government. In a very real sense, America is an idea born in the fertile soil of Christian values.

KNOXVILLE, TN (Catholic Online) - On July 2, 1776 the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain. A mere two days later the Declaration of Independence, of which Thomas Jefferson is the primary author, was presented to the Congress where it was revised and approved that same day on July 4. We still honor and celebrate this event 234 years later.  However, when we look at our country today, do we know what we are celebrating any longer? Our country is unraveling before our eyes. Our most cherished values are treated with disdain by many of those with influence and power. Our leadership and institutions are becoming increasingly corrupt and hostile. We have legally murdered approximately fifty million American citizens in the womb; debased womanhood, fatherhood and the family; rejected God and embraced a base material existence; and we have traded many of our true rights and freedoms for transient pleasures and a false sense of security. At this point, we might even wonder if this holiday holds meaning anymore. But then we read something powerful that stirs the soul like the "meaning of the folds of the American flag." This text is traditionally recited by the honor guards during the folding of the flag ceremony at military funerals, which are available to all who have served in the military with honor. Although in 2007, due to its religious references, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs required that the flag be folded in silence unless a recitation is requested in writing by the family; and families now can choose other texts. Nevertheless, when we understand the original meaning attributed to the folds, we are reminded that America is more than a group of people sharing a common border and government. In a very real sense, America is an idea born in the fertile soil of Christian values.

This idea has offered a greater chance for dignity, hope and happiness for people than any other system of government has ever offered its people. And while we have not always lived up to the American ideal, we know that it must be preserved and cherished because it is good, beautiful, true, and necessary. Consequently, we find that the 4th of July still holds meaning for us, for it reminds us that the fight for independence is just as important today as it was in 1776; and it inspires us to imitate the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence who risked property, reputation and life so that the people of this nation could live free from tyranny. With these thoughts in mind, I would like to share with you an example of the American ideal as it is found in the meaning of the folds of the American flag:   1. The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.
2. The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
3. The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country.
4. The 4th 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 times of war for His divine guidance.
5. The 5th 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 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.
7. 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 her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our Republic.
8. 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.
9. The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded. 10. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
11. The 11th 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 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
13. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust." ----- Michael Terheyden was born into a Catholic family, but that is not why he is a Catholic. He is a Catholic because he believes that truth is real, that it is beautiful and good, and that the fullness of truth is in the Catholic Church. However, he knows that God's grace operating throughout his life is the main reason he is a Catholic. He is greatly blessed to share his faith and his life with his beautiful wife, Dorothy. They have four grown children and three grandchildren.

Supporting FREE Catholic Education with Grass-fed Beef

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'