Next Monday, June 14, 2021 is Flag Day. It is not a celebrated holiday, but here is a verse written by John J. Day about our flag, and a story about the meaning of the 13 folds of the flag as it is being folded, not only after being on the casket of a deceased veteran, but also as it is being taken down from a flag pole..
THE FLAG
Here is to the red of it-
There’s not a thread of it,
No, not a shred of it, all the
Spread of it, From foot to head, but
Heroes bled for it,
Faced steel and lead for it,
Precious blood shed for it,
BATHING IT RED!
Here’s to the white of it –
Thrilled by the sight of it,
Who knows the right of it,
But feels the might of it
Through day and night?
Womanhood’s care for it
Made manhood dare for it,
Purity’s prayer for it,
KEEPS SO WHITE
Here’s to the blue of it
Beauteous view of it,
Heavenly hue of it,
Star-spangled dew of it,
Constant and true;
Diadems gleam for it,
States stand supreme for it,
Liberty’s beam for it,
BRIGHTENS THE BLUE
Here’s to the whole of it,
Stars, stripes and pole of it,
Body and Soul of it,
O, and the roll of it,
Sun shining through;
Hearts in accord for it,
Swear by the sword for it,
Thanking the Lord for it,
Red, White and Blue!
By John J. Daly
Folding the flag…
The 1st fold, when it is folded in half lengthwise is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold, when it is again folded in half lengthwise is a symbol of the belief in eternal life. (The field of stars is now outside, top left-hand corner)
The 3rd fold is diagonal, and 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. (All remaining folds are diagonally).
The 4th fold, again on the diagonal, 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 lit. It is with their hearts 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, Issac and Jacob.
The 12th fold represents the 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, iit 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. There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning.
In the future you’ll see flags folded and now you will know why!