Selected Articles from the LAND Newsletter
President's Report
By Richard Volk, LAND President
A lot has happened since the last newsletter. Our country has entered a war and become victorious in three weeks. Now it will be interesting if we can set up a government that is free in Iraq.
So with all of this I thought I would bring out some facts about the American flag. At military funerals, the 21 gun salute actually stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776. Have you noticed the Honor Guard pays meticulous attention in folding the flag 13 times?
The first fold of the 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 of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace through out the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is in Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times 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 hearts that, "We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justices for all."
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the military that we protect our country and our flag against all 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 shadows of death, that we might see the light of day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, and mothers. For it has been through faith, 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 fathers, for they, too, have given their sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in Hebrew eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The twelfth fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in Christian eyes, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The thirteenth fold, or when the flag 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 whys of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future when you see the flag folded you will know why.
Incidentally, they quit teaching this in the public schools in 1955.
