THE AMERICAN FLAG

Why The American Flag Is Folded 13 Times

Have you ever wondered why the flag of the United States of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran? Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means to you.

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, 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.

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.

The next time you see a flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in our civilian services such as the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our flag and our Country.

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I HOLD IN MY HAND

I Hold In My Hand

I hold in my hand Some sparkling sand. That found it's way From a far away land. It came from the bottom of a soldier's sack Who started a mission and just came back. Although his goals are not complete He will not stop, or claim defeat. Inside he knows that this is war To save the land where Eagles soar. He's always ready, steady, and true So we can still honor the Red, White and Blue.

By Laurie Simonetti Copyright 2003

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A MILLION THANKS

Our Mission
A Million Thanks is a year-round campaign to show our U.S. Military Men and Women, past and present, our appreciation for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country through our letters, emails, cards, prayers, and thoughts.


HELP US REACH OUR NEW GOAL:
2.6 in 2006!

We need 1,000,000 more!
CAN YOU PLEASE HELP US?

IF WE COLLECT A TOTAL OF 2.6 MILLION THANK YOU CARDS,
LETTERS, AND EMAILS, THAT WILL SYMBOLICALLY GIVE EVERY PERSON SERVING IN OUR ARMED FORCES (including our National Guard) A THANK YOU!
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO SEND US YOUR THANK YOU LETTERS, CARDS, OR EMAILS, SO WE CAN DELIVER THEM TO OUR ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBERS HERE AND ABROAD, AND TO OUR WOUNDED SOLDIERS AND VETERANS.
THEY ALL DESERVE ANOTHER



THANKS!!
A Special Thank You
to our new partner
Operation Give.org
Urgent Request!
WE RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM CHAPLAIN
BEN E GEORGE M.A./M Div IN AL TAQADDUM, IRAQ
FOR SOME INTERNATIONAL PHONE CARDS. IF YOU
CAN HELP, SEND THE CARDS TO US AND WE WILL
FORWARD THEM ON TO HIS MARINES TO USE. Thanks. Shauna

http://amillionthanks.org/

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ONE VOICE

Body: The following story was written by Lori Kimble, a 31 year old teacher and proud military wife. Mrs. Kimble, a California native, currently lives in Alabama.

I was sitting alone in one of those loud, casual steak houses that
you find all over the country. You know the type--a bucket of peanuts on every table, shells littering the floor, and a bunch of perky college kids racing around with longneck beers and sizzling platters.


Taking a sip of my iced tea, I studied the crowd over the rim of my glass. My gaze lingered on a group enjoying their meal. They wore no uniform to identify their branch of service, but they were definitely "military:" clean shaven, cropped haircut, and that "squared away" look that comes with pride.

Smiling sadly, I glanced across my table to the empty seat where my husband usually sat. It had only been a few months since we sat in this very booth, talking about his upcoming deployment to the Middle East.

That was when he made me promise to get a sitter for the kids, come back to this restaurant once a month and treat myself to a nice steak. In turn he would treasure the thought of me being here, thinking about him until he returned home

I fingered the little flag pin I constantly wear and wondered where he was at this very moment. Was he safe and warm? Was his cold any better?

Were my letters getting through to him? As I pondered these
thoughts, high pitched female voices from the next booth broke into my thoughts.

"I don't know what Bush is thinking about. Invading Iraq. You'd
think that man would learn from his old man's mistakes. Good lord. What an idiot! I can't believe he is even in office. You do know, he stole
the election."

I cut into my steak and tried to ignore them, as they began an endless tirade running down our president. I thought about the last night I spent with my husband, as he prepared to deploy. He had just returned from getting his smallpox and anthrax shots. The image of him standing in our kitchen packing his gas mask still gives me chills.

Once again the women's voices invaded my thoughts. "It is all about oil, you know. Our soldiers will go in and rape and steal all the oil they can in the name of 'freedom'. Hmph! I wonder how many innocent people they'll kill without giving it a thought? It's pure greed, you know."

My chest tightened as I stared at my wedding ring. I could still
see how handsome my husband looked in his "mess dress" the day he slipped it on my finger. I wondered what he was wearing now. Probably his desert uniform, affectionately dubbed "coffee stains" with a heavy bulletproof vest over it.

"You know, we should just leave Iraq alone. I don't think they are hiding any weapons. In fact, I bet it's all a big act just to increase the president's popularity. That's all it is, padding the military budget at the expense of our social security and education. And, you know what else? We're just asking for another 9-ll. I can't say when it happens again that we didn't deserve it."

Their words brought to mind the war protesters I had watched gathering outside our base. Did no one appreciate the sacrifice of brave men and women, who leave their homes and family to ensure our freedom? Do they even know what "freedom" is?

I glanced at the table where the young men were sitting, and saw their courageous faces change. They had stopped eating and looked at each other dejectedly, listening to the women talking. "Well, I, for one, think it's just deplorable to invade Iraq, and I am certainly sick of our tax dollars going to train professional baby-killers we call a military."

Professional baby-killers? I thought about what a wonderful father my husband is, and of how long it would be before he would see our children again.

That's it! Indignation rose up inside me. Normally reserved, pride in my husband gave me a brassy boldness I never realized I had. Tonight one voice will answer on behalf of our military, and let her pride in our troops be known.

Sliding out of my booth, I walked around to the adjoining booth
and placed my hands flat on their table. Lowering myself to eye level with them, smilingly said, "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation.

You see, I'm sitting here trying to enjoy my dinner alone. And, do you know why? Because my husband, whom I love with all my heart, is halfway around the world defending your right to say rotten things about him."

"Yes, you have the right to your opinion, and what you think is none of my business. However, what you say in public is something else, and I will not sit by and listen to you ridicule MY country, MY president, MY husband, and all the other fine American men and women who put their lives on the line, just so you can have the "freedom" to complain. Freedom is an expensive commodity, ladies. Don't let your actions cheapen it."

I must have been louder that I meant to be, because the manager came over to inquire if everything was all right. "Yes, thank you," I replied.

Then, turning back to the women, I said, "Enjoy the rest of your meal."

As I returned to my booth applause broke out. I was embarrassed for making a scene, and went back to my half eaten steak. The women picked up their check and scurried away.

After finishing my meal, and while waiting for my check, the
manager returned with a huge apple cobbler ala mode. "Compliments of those soldiers," he said. He also smiled and said the ladies tried to pay for my dinner, but that another couple had beaten them to it. When I asked who, the manager said they had already left, but that the gentleman was a veteran, and wanted to take care of the wife of "one of our
boys."

With a lump in my throat, I gratefully turned to the soldiers and
thanked them for the cobbler. Grinning from ear to ear, they came over and surrounded the booth. "We just wanted to thank you, ma'am. You know we can't get into confrontations with civilians, so we appreciate what you did."

As I drove home, for the first time since my husband's deployment, I didn't feel quite so alone. My heart was filled with the warmth of the other diners who stopped by my table, to relate how they, too, were proud of my husband, and would keep him in their prayers. I knew their flags would fly a little higher the next day.

Perhaps they would look for more tangible ways to show their pride in our country, and the military who protect her. And maybe, just maybe, the two women who were railing against our country, would pause for a minute to appreciate all the freedom America offers, and the price it pays to maintain it's freedom.

As for me, I have learned that one voice CAN make a difference. Maybe the next time protesters gather outside the gates of the base where I live, I will proudly stand on the opposite side with a sign of my own. It will simply say, "Thank You!" To those who fought for our Nation: Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Please pray for God's protection of our troops and HIS wisdom for their commanders. Pass this on to as many as you think will respond.

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they
protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior."

7:20 AM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

A SOLDIER'S THOUGHTS

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AS JETS FLEW BY OVERHEAD

As The Jets Flew By Overhead…

Sitting on my mountain,
Safer than most,
But just as scared
As the those who fear
This terrible war-

Thinking of those,
Who now lie dead,
Feeling such sorrow,
For the prayers being said,
But then the jets flew overhead…

F-18's scarring the sky,
Leaving their contrails as they flew by,
Fearless warriors patrolling the skies,
Watching their precision
As they flew side by side…

Sat here thinking of those
Who heard the call,
And didn't think of themselves at all-
Just rose from their seats,
And formed a line,
Fighting for our freedom,
The only thing on their mind-

I sit here and listen,
To those who condemn,
Those who lash out,
Without thinking what it's all about-

What does it matter who's to blame?
Those are our children out there!
Our families and friends!
I don't care who started it-
I just want them home safe again!

I will honor them with songs,
And words from my heart,
Give them parades for playing their part,
Stand when they pass by,
Try to hold back
The tears in my eyes…

I will salute the honor,
With which they fought,
In a far away land
Of lonely sand dunes,

I think of those who gave their lives,
Grieving with such sorrow
For the lives they leave behind,
And I will honor the dead,
With my heart and soul,
For the sacrifice they so willingly gave,
As the jets roar by overhead…

5:28 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

ALL GAVE SOME..... SOME GAVE ALL

This was written to honor our fallen heroes of the Armed Forces

All Gave Some... Some Gave All Our country suffered many tears As we grew strong and wise. Many fought to give her birth, All gave some... Some gave all. We are the freest place on earth. We stand for the common man. Many fought to keep her free, All gave some... Some gave all. Brother fought against brother In our country's darkest hour. It was the north against the south, All gave some... Some gave all. Two World Wars were fought To ward off tyranny. We stood proud and answered the call, All gave some...Some gave all. Today we face another test From a culture to us unknown. They don't know they'll meet defeat, because All will give some... Some will give all.

5:25 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

A SOLIDERS LOVE

The face, mind, and body of a boy soon was shaped into a man. As a soldier, sailor, trooper, or grunt, you became the epitome of manhood and honor. As a patron of this country, from which we all took, you personally became a donor.

A Soldier's Love The price you paid, you paid for me, and the rest of this country so that we might remain free. The love you shared, was great indeed; it was only by grace, that you returned to us with God speed. The freedom we own, is because of men like you, who did self-sacrifice in many war times old and new. The face, mind, and body of a boy soon was shaped into a man. Although some made a greater sacrifice than others; a life, an eye, an arm, leg, or hand. No matter what your age, height, or name, you sacrificed for me and many others; just a face without shame, not even a sister or a brother. Though conditions were hard, and your job was seldom done, mine and my children will never forget, the job and sacrifice you devotedly did, despite all costs, for all of us, every one. As a soldier, sailor, trooper, or grunt, you became the epitome of manhood and honor. As a patron of this country, from which we all took, you personally became a donor. You selflessly set your own life aside, to assure safety and freedom for all; you didn't think to hide away, when you heard the voice of duty give a call. Though many others would have turn and run, and many fathers and mothers lost physically or mentally, a daughter or a son, you stayed steady and strong, and did your job, without faltering, stifling your own sorrows and sobs, not altering. Yes, others might have turned away, or ran, but you stood fast and steady, tall and ready, to protect and fight, and die if necessary. You see otherwise you wouldn't now be, one of our most beloved, a veteran, war's retiree, in the land of the free. God bless you now and always, if you're old, handicapped, young, or frail; the results are done to some of you, those of which we can't repay. But you will get a great reward someday, if not here on earth, in a much greater way. Thank you once again for your courage and sacrifice. Thank you one and all, for our freedom at such a price. Thank you to your families, who sacrificed as well. Thank you once again my brother, for enduring your own living hell. You will not ever be forgotten, although perhaps not memorialized or eulogized; should one ever forget the freedoms that we share because of those like you, we should but look at our borders, always open and free, where though they are free to complain, many others seem to inside these borders freely flee; this remains a witness of you, and for me.

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NEVER FORGET

NEVER FORGET

Never forget the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001.
Never forget what it means as Americans to persevere.
Never forget the freedoms we cherish.
Never forget our military families.
Never forget the children waiting for Mommy and Daddy to come home.
Never forget the parents who pray each day for their son or daughter's safe homecoming.
Never forget all those who serve.
Never forget our veterans from all wars.
Never forget to fly your flag .
Never forget those who paid the ultimate price.
Never forget.
FREEDOM ENDURES.

A. Kellermann - Tampa Tribune- 9-11-2003

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WAR THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD

My mommy and daddy have gone to fight,
To do what they know is just and right.

Protestors chant, "No war in Iraq",
While my parents fight to bring freedom back.

Americans sleep safe and snug in their beds,
While my mom and dad endure bombs overhead.

They fight for you and they fight for me,
So that terrorist threats will never be.

Please stop protesting and support the war,
So that my mom and dad can open a door,

To a future where children will only know peace,
Because the bell of freedom will never cease.

Pray for our troops who fight for us all,
So as Americans we may always stand tall.

For the free and the brave we should all take a hand,
To form a circle of love for those who fight in the sand.

My parents sacrifice is their greatest gift of love,
God's hand is safely holding them from heaven's gate above.

Please don't cry a tear for me for this I surely know,
My parents will come home to me to watch me as I grow

~Jenessa Alexis ~

I wrote this poem as a tribute to all the children who have a parent or loved one that has been deployed. My uncle Mike was deployed to Iraq but has returned and is now retired from the Army. My cousin SrA LeeAnn Rabel is deployed to Camp Balad which is North of Bagdad about 50 miles. Please pray for her safety and the safety of all the troops protecting our freedom. If you see SrA LeeAnn Rabel please give her a hug for me. She is one of my heroes! *Hugs and prayers for David too!

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