Flag

Traditions of the American Flag

I Am the Flag of the

Of The United States Of America.

I am the flag of the United States of America.

My name is Old Glory.

I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.

I stand watch in America's halls of justice.

I fly majestically over institutions of learning.

I stand guard with power in the world.

Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.

I stand for freedom.

I am confident.

I am arrogant.

I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,

My head is a little higher,

My colors a little truer.

I bow to no one!

I am recognized all over the world.

I am worshipped - I am saluted.

I am loved - I am revered.

I am respected - and I am feared.

I have fought in every battle

of every war

for more then 200 years.

I was flown at Valley Forge,

Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox.

I was there at San Juan Hill,

the trenches of France,

in the Argonne Forest,

Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy.

Guam, Okinawa, Korea and

KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam. Know me,

I was there.

I led my troops, I was dirty, battleworn and tired,

But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled on the

streets of countries I have helped set free.

It does not hurt for I am invincible.

I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and

trampled in the streets of my country.

And when it's done by those

Whom I've served in battle - it hurts.

But I shall overcome - for I am strong.

I have slipped the surley bonds of Earth

and stood watch over the uncharted

frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.

I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours.

But my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips and used as bandages

for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,

When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,

Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent

at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,

I am proud.

Please forward this message to all who still love

and respect me that I may fly proudly

for another two hundred years.

Traditions of the American Flag

Brothers, there are 17 days specifically designated in US code on which citizens are encouraged to display the American flag,

Holidays for displaying are as follows:

1. New Year's Day - Jan. 1
2. Inauguration Day - Jan. 20
3. Lincoln's Birthday - Feb. 12
4. Washington's Birthday - third Monday in February
5. Easter Sunday - (variable)
6. Mother's Day - second Sunday in May
7. Armed Forces Day - third Saturday in May
8. Memorial Day (half-staff until noon) - last Monday in May
9. Flag Day - June 14
10. Independence Day - July 4
11. Labor Day - first Monday in September
12. Constitution Day - Sept. 17
13. Columbus Day - second Monday in October
14. Navy Day - Oct. 27
15. Veterans Day - Nov. 11
16. Thanksgiving Day - fourth Thursday in November
17. Christmas Day - Dec. 25

The US code also urges us to display the flag on:

Additional days that are proclaimed by the president of the United States,

On days that commemorate the date in which their state was admitted to the union "
and on specific state holidays.

Traditions of the American Flag

According to military tradition, once a US Flag is lifted from the casket, it is then tilted down in front of the casket to block everyone’s view.

The Flag is then held up for everyone to see and taps is then played softly in the distance. This is referred to as, "Presenting The Colors."

Tradition holds that at this time the fighting spirit of the Veteran then enters the Flag to find rest in God’s eternal grace. Once the Flag has been folded, both the Flag and the Veteran are formally "Retired" forever. From that point on, no one but God Himself is allowed to unfold, or "Recall", the Flag until Christ returns.

Why the American Flag is folded 13 times. Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American Flag exactly 13 times?

I’ve known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits of 1776), but only recently learned why the flag was folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran.

Here it is:

The first fold of our Flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth 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 time of war for His divine guidance.

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 is still our country, right or wrong."

The sixth 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 seventh 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.

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, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith in God, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

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 they were first born.

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.

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 Holy Spirit.

After the thirteenth fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s 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 us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things which have deep meaning to us as Americans.