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Do you know the defination behind the flag on the coffin

Last post 06-05-2009 4:02 PM by cooking71. 8 replies.
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  • 06-02-2009 9:15 PM

    Do you know the defination behind the flag on the coffin

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    Many see the military coffins with a departed soldier inside, and flag drapped on top of the coffin. But how many truly know the meaning behind the flag on top of the coffin?

    http://www.ccfreedomfighters.com/funeral%20flag.htm

  • 06-02-2009 9:19 PM In reply to

    Re: Do you know the defination behind the flag on the coffin

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    enjoynature:

    Many see the military coffins with a departed soldier inside, and flag drapped on top of the coffin. But how many truly know the meaning behind the flag on top of the coffin?

    http://www.ccfreedomfighters.com/funeral%20flag.htm

    If you are referring to the symbolism of the honoring of a deceased military person,Yes, I do. It was one of the very important things I learned in Girl Scouts. As for the folding of the flag itself and the presentation of same to next of kin, I remember well the flag that was on my fathers coffin and my brothers when buried at Arlington Cemetary.

  • 06-02-2009 10:59 PM In reply to

    Re: Do you know the defination behind the flag on the coffin

    Reply Contact

     

    enjoynature:
    But how many truly know the meaning behind the flag on top of the coffin?
        I too have heard of the folds having a certain meaning, but after a quick google, comes to find out this is something that was attached to it later.  Interesting how adding the meanings in ceremonies were banned at Arlington then added back if the family wanted.

     

      http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/f/foldsoftheflag.htm

     

    The Meaning of the Folding of the American Flag-Truth! & Fiction!

     

     

     

    bullet Summary of eRumor:
    Message alleges that there is meaning to each fold of the American flag, for example, at a military funeral when the flag is presented to the family of the person who died.  Most of them are of spiritual and religious significance.
    bullet The Truth:
    The meaning of the folding of the American flag that is described in this eRumor is not without importance, but it is not official and not required.

    Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, is the law of the land regarding the handling and displaying of the American flag.  It does not include anything regarding the significance or meaning of folding the flag.  The code was first adopted by Congress in 1923 and revised numerous times.  

    According to the American Legion, the code does not call for a ceremonial folding of the flag and the folding procedure is also traditional.  Same for the meanings of the folds. Nobody seems to know when or where that originated or who wrote it.  There is speculation that it may have come from a chaplain who attached the mostly Judeo-Christian religious meanings to the folds, perhaps for a burial ceremony. 

    Official or not, the statement has gained status as the traditional meaning of the folds and was found in many governmental and military manuals and recited at numerous military funerals.

    In October, 2007, the National Cemetery Administration banned the practice of giving the meaning of the folds of the flag at all national cemeteries, but the decision was quickly revised.  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issued a statement on 10/20/07 saying that any recitations at the graveside of a veteran can reflect the wishes of the family.  In other words, if the family wants the meaning of the folds to be included, it can be included.

    One additional note:  The eRumor says the 21-gun salute originated from adding the digits of 1776.  That is not true.  According to Arlington Cemetery, the 21-gun salute evolved from many years of various traditions of honoring dignitaries.   

     

  • 06-03-2009 12:28 AM In reply to

    Re: Do you know the defination behind the flag on the coffin

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    I know my Dad died (90 yrs old) and he served in World War II so he had the flag. I thought it was because he was in the war. Yes that flag got folded up at the cementary and handed to me because I was the female, I think they give it to the female. I really thought that was how it's suppose to be. If you served for the country you get the flag on your coffin.  

  • 06-03-2009 6:36 AM In reply to

    Re: Do you know the defination behind the flag on the coffin

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    sissel:

    I know my Dad died (90 yrs old) and he served in World War II so he had the flag. I thought it was because he was in the war. Yes that flag got folded up at the cementary and handed to me because I was the female, I think they give it to the female. I really thought that was how it's suppose to be. If you served for the country you get the flag on your coffin.  

    It has nothing to do with presentation being to a female. It is next of kin or even a friend on request if no living relatives. Flag is presented star side up and long fold to the recipient.

  • 06-03-2009 8:26 AM In reply to

    Re: Do you know the defination behind the flag on the coffin

    Reply Contact

    Yes I knew the symbolisym of the folds on the flag.  I still don't know the reason for the flag drapped on top of the coffin.  It didn't really answer that.  Just what the folds of the flag mean.

    License

  • 06-03-2009 8:44 AM In reply to

    Re: Do you know the defination behind the flag on the coffin

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    The draping of a coffin with the American flag is a sign of respect and honor for services a person has given in the name of his/her country. Just as simple as that.

  • 06-03-2009 5:48 PM In reply to

    Re: Do you know the defination behind the flag on the coffin

    Reply Contact
    Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin

    All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history. Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to protect our 'GOD GIVEN' rights and freedoms.

    I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag draped coffin really means ... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.

    Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?


    Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

    The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

    The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

    The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.


    The 4th fold represents the 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 5th fold is a tribute to the 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 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America of their republic.

    The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.


    The 8th 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.


    The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. 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.

    The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.


    The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.



    The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.


    The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nations 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 them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

    There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

    Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of 'Liberty and Freedom.'


    MAYBE THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD READ THIS EXPLANATION BEFORE THEY RENDER THEIR DECISION ON THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

    FORWARD IT; MAYBE SOMEONE WITH THE NECESSARY POWER, OR POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL INFLUENCE, WILL GET IT TO THEM.

    IN THE MEANTIME, MAY GOD PROTECT US ALWAYS.

    ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
    Loving my soldier <3


    pregnancy calendar


    If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how—the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what’s said against me won’t amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.” -A. Lincoln

  • 06-05-2009 4:02 PM In reply to

    Re: Do you know the defination behind the flag on the coffin

    Reply Contact

     As Spicey pointed out please look up the information because you cannot believe everything posted no the internet.This not only covers the folds but the 21 guns as well.

     

    The Truth:
    The meaning of the folding of the American flag that is described in this eRumor is not without importance, but it is not official and not required.

    Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, is the law of the land regarding the handling and displaying of the American flag.  It does not include anything regarding the significance or meaning of folding the flag.  The code was first adopted by Congress in 1923 and revised numerous times.  

    According to the American Legion, the code does not call for a ceremonial folding of the flag and the folding procedure is also traditional.  Same for the meanings of the folds. Nobody seems to know when or where that originated or who wrote it.  There is speculation that it may have come from a chaplain who attached the mostly Judeo-Christian religious meanings to the folds, perhaps for a burial ceremony. 

    Official or not, the statement has gained status as the traditional meaning of the folds and was found in many governmental and military manuals and recited at numerous military funerals.

    In October, 2007, the National Cemetery Administration banned the practice of giving the meaning of the folds of the flag at all national cemeteries, but the decision was quickly revised.  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issued a statement on 10/20/07 saying that any recitations at the graveside of a veteran can reflect the wishes of the family.  In other words, if the family wants the meaning of the folds to be included, it can be included.

    One additional note:  The eRumor says the 21-gun salute originated from adding the digits of 1776.  That is not true.  According to Arlington Cemetery, the 21-gun salute evolved from many years of various traditions of honoring dignitaries.   
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