Today is flag day, so I thought I would share an article from the Warbirds about the flag-folding ceremony and how it represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars, representing states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted only when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country honorably in uniform.
Fold 1: The first fold of our flag is the symbol of life.
Fold 2: The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
Fold 3: The third 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 and to attain peace throughout the world.
Fold 4: “The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; for, as American citizens trusting in God, it is in Him we turn to in times of peace, as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
Fold 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 still is our country; right or wrong.”
Fold 6: The sixth fold reminds us of the sixth battle-weary fighters who vigilantly struggled to the top of the Mount Suribache on Iwo Jima during World War II. Once there, they proudly rose above the battle. Our flag, the symbol “that we all hold dear,” is the symbol of “freedom, democracy, government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” It is our duty to defend the flag which stands for them all.
Fold 7: The seventh fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our hearts 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.
Fold 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.
Fold 9: The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood and mothers; 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.
Fold 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 he or she was first born.
Fold 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.
Fold 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 the Holy Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
I am so personally blessed to be a trusted financial advisor for our clients in Cincinnati, Carmel and other states.
At Total Wealth Planning, we value such rich histories and practical decisions. Our firm, based in Cincinnati (Blue Ash), Ohio, offers fee-only fiduciary financial planning. As a partner and chief operating officer at Total Wealth Planning, Rob Siegmann often shares his expertise in industry publications like The Cincinnati Business Courier, Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance, Financial Planning Magazine, and the Cincinnati Enquirer. Our team of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioners is dedicated to helping clients make well-informed and prudent financial decisions to live their greatest lives. For more information, visit Total Wealth Planning or contact Rob at rsiegmann@twpteam.com.
