For the last seventeen years, I was honored to serve as the pastor of Mr. Howard Rush. He was a loving husband, doting father and grandfather, and committed follower of Jesus Christ who proudly served our country faithfully in the Korean War as a member of the United Sates Navy. He was laid to rest yesterday morning.
This unassuming and unpretentious man lived his entire life in quiet service of others, finishing up as a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the local Veteran’s Honor Guard.
Over the years, I attended scores of graveside services where he participated in honoring fellow veterans for their sacrificial service to our country. As you are perhaps aware, such services involve a twenty-one gun salute, the playing of taps, and the presentation of a folded flag and spent shells to the family members of the deceased service member.
Howard once shared with me the significance of the folded flag. In his memory, as well as that of so many who faithfully served our country over the centuries, I thought I would share it here.
According to the sheet of paper I was given, here is the significance of the folding of the American Flag:
1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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 is still our country, right or wrong."
6. 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.
7. 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 are found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
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, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; 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.
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 they were first born.
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.
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 Holy Spirit.
13. 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. Those 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.
It was moving to watch this service unfold over the grave of Mr. Rush, especially after he had helped to perform it so many times over the graves of his deceased comrades. I hope I will remember this in the future every time I come across a folded flag. I hope you will as well.
And on this Independence Day, 2017, please take the time to thank a veteran for the freedoms you and I so richly enjoy. These freedoms came at quite a price.
SEE ALSO:
http://www.tellicolakepost256.org/index.php?id=12.
http://www.usapatriotism.org//reference/flag_folding.htm.
This unassuming and unpretentious man lived his entire life in quiet service of others, finishing up as a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the local Veteran’s Honor Guard.
Over the years, I attended scores of graveside services where he participated in honoring fellow veterans for their sacrificial service to our country. As you are perhaps aware, such services involve a twenty-one gun salute, the playing of taps, and the presentation of a folded flag and spent shells to the family members of the deceased service member.
Howard once shared with me the significance of the folded flag. In his memory, as well as that of so many who faithfully served our country over the centuries, I thought I would share it here.
According to the sheet of paper I was given, here is the significance of the folding of the American Flag:
1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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 is still our country, right or wrong."
6. 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.
7. 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 are found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
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, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; 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.
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 they were first born.
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.
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 Holy Spirit.
13. 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. Those 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.
It was moving to watch this service unfold over the grave of Mr. Rush, especially after he had helped to perform it so many times over the graves of his deceased comrades. I hope I will remember this in the future every time I come across a folded flag. I hope you will as well.
And on this Independence Day, 2017, please take the time to thank a veteran for the freedoms you and I so richly enjoy. These freedoms came at quite a price.
SEE ALSO:
http://www.tellicolakepost256.org/index.php?id=12.
http://www.usapatriotism.org//reference/flag_folding.htm.