13 folds for veterans I'm not on FB, but my other half is and found this. The same flag will cover all of us regardless of race or ethnicity. Since there seems to be a certain faction of people who suddenly find the American Flag (old & new) to be a symbol of racism and hate, I thought I'd go ahead and use this as a teachable moment. As many of you may know besides being a pastor, I'm also the Chaplain at the Ohio Veterans Home. The Veterans who live there are all war Veterans. Whenever a Veteran who lives there leaves to go home to be with the Lord, they always leave with the American Flag draped over them. We call it a "Code Red, White, & Blue."  We drape the flag over their bodies and as we walk through the building to the hearse, the other Veterans in the hallway will stand (if they’re able) and salute. It’s not unusual to see a Veteran who is unable to get out of bed be lying on the bed with their hand in the salute position as we go by. The other Veterans, staff members, and volunteers who are able will be waiting outside in front of the building-saluting or with their hands over their hearts accordingly. When we arrive outside, we play taps and then fold the American Flag in honor of our brother or sister Veteran who served so bravely. Did you ever wonder why the American Flag is folded 13 times?  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 veteran's departing the ranks that 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's 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's still our country, right or wrong.’ The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It's with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty & Justice for all. The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, because it’s 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 this Constitutional 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 woman-hood, and mother's. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men, and women who've made this country great has been molded. The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons, & 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 Christian's eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are upper-most reminding them, of their Nation's motto, 'In God We Trust.’ So, whether it was the first American flag or the one we fly today, it was and still is a flag of freedom from the oppression we suffered under Great Britain. Tomorrow we celebrate-as a nation-our independence from that oppression. And while slavery was absolutely a stain on our nation’s past, people need to understand that slavery was introduced here by the king of England with the support of African British loyalists (both black and white) sometime after the original settlers died off and what's known as the Great Awakening and the Revolutionary War. And even though slavery continued on after the founding of our nation many citizens (again both black and white) were against it, leading to a civil war in our nation, which was won by the people who flew that very same American Flag (with a few more stars on it). It remains not only a symbol of freedom to those of us who live here, but a beacon to other nations that we will come to their aid when they stand for liberty, freedom and justice. It saddens me to see so many people in our nation becoming puppets through a bought and paid for Marxist news media, socialist politicians filled with selfish ambition, sanctimonious sports stars, and self-centered Hollywood elitists and their convoluted thinking.  America…Please! Educate yourself!!