Remember Me

The first thread of my existence came before 1776. My colors showed red, white, and blue. Additional stars and stripes have been added to reflect the addition of each new State. I was carried in 2 world wars, a civil war, Korean war, Viet Nam, planted on the moon, carried by men of valor that lost their lives for the freedom of the United States of America. I have been brought to foreign countries, and planted at the tomb of every American soldier, I asked for nothing, and at the hands of those that do not feel the pride, I feel, I have been burned, ripped to shreds, made a mockery of, left on flag poles at government buildings and homes, with no light to show my colors at night, my tattered ends still waving proudly over this land that I was born in. Men, Women, and children have thrown me into garbage cans, spit on me, and tried to annihilate me, but I am still the banner of my country, and with pride, I will continue to wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave.I have attended every military funeral, and carefully folded to give to a grieving widow or child, and still I wave proudly. I have been carried to every nation that has come up against The United States of America, and stand beside other colors at the United Nations, never wavering in my stand for liberty and justice.I do not show emotion, nor do I shrink in shame but proudly stand for values that began long before the 19th and 20th Century.Did you know that when I am draped over a soldiers coffin that has given his life for your freedom, that the 21 gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776=one, 7,7,6. Add together equals 21.I am folded 13 times. The 1st fold is a symbol of life. The 2nd fold is a symbol of eternal life The 3rd fold is to honor and remember the veterans who gave their lives for the defense of their country. The 4th fold symbolizes our weaker nature as American citizens trusting in God, who we turn to in times of peace and war seeking His divine guidance. The 5th fold is a tribute to our country. The 6th fold is our pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the Republic for which it stands one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and Justice for all. The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces. The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the shadow of death. The 9th fold is a tribute to Woman and Mothers, who through their faith, love and loyalty, have made and molded this great country, The 10th fold is a tribute to Fathers, who have also given sons and daughters for the defense of our country. The 11th fold glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The 12th folds represent eternity and glorify in the Christians eyes, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. And last but not least, The 12th fold with the stars uppermost reminding you of your motto, In God, We Trust.
© Jean C Prentice