Although most of us know the meaning of the flag and what it represents as a nation, let’s break down the flag and its symbolism.
The blue field, referred to as the union, contains fifty white stars. These stars represent each state within our nation. This design with the fifty stars, was ordered by President Eisenhower in 1959 and adopted in July of 1960 and hasn’t changed since.
The thirteen red and white stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from Great Britain and became the first U.S. states.
We fly our flags on holidays and say the pledge of allegiance and sing the Star Spangled Banner at the beginning of ballgames. But there is one more use of the nation’s flag that I wanted to discuss today.
The Flag Draped Coffin
Any American has the privilege of a flag draped over their coffin. There are different size flags, however, for citizens and for military officials. The flag is draped with the blue field at the head and over the left shoulder.
For military members, after Taps is played, the flag is meticulously folded thirteen times. Each fold holds a special meaning:
- A symbol of life.
- A symbol of our belief in eternal life.
- In honor and remembrance of the veteran who has passed away.
- Our weaker nature: As American citizens trusting in God, we can turn to him in times of war and times of peace.
- Tribute to our country.
- Where our hearts lie: Within our hearts, we hold the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag.
- Tribute to our armed forces.
- To honor our mother, for whom the flag flies on Mother’s Day.
- A tribute to womanhood: Through their character, they have helped to mold and create the men and women that make this country great.
- To honor our father, for he has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country.
- In the eyes of our Hebrew citizens, this represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
- In the eyes of a Christian citizen, this represents eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.
- When the flag is completely folded, it is handed with the stars upright, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.” (this information was found on legion.org)
As a Christian, to read these words and see that the love of our creator is within so many nuances of our military is amazing. In God we trust isn’t just our motto, it’s what our country is founded on, a fact so many want to change.
I hope you’ll remember that flying your American Flag this Flag Day is a symbol not only of our freedom and the sacrifice of so many, but in honor of a country founded on a belief in God.
