An update from Rep. Ingraham

June 14th, Flag Day, a day specifically designated for celebrating the American Flag, has passed and July 4th, a day celebrating our Independence, is just around the corner, so it may be time to reflect on our American Flag and the time honored tradition and way of doing things that has deep meaning for America the Beautiful.

The handling of our American Flag which I’d like to bring to your attention is the honors extended during a traditional grave-side military funeral, where the bereaved is honored with a gift of the nation’s emblem, folded precisely by the military escort and then presented solemnly as a gift from a grateful nation.

If you’ve ever been to a military funeral with honors did you happen to notice how the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly fold the American Flag 13 times? Did you know that each fold has a meaning? If you did, please remember to share the meaning of the folds, if not I’d like to share with you the meaning of each of the 13 folds of our American flag:

• The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

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

• The 3rd 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 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn to in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

• The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decaur, “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 our hearts lie. It is with our hearts 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 7th 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.

• 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 tributes to the fathers, for they too, have given their sons and daughters for the defense of our 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 the 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 and that of a time honored tradition least we forget!

Now it’s your turn to “Keep in Touch” by contacting me regarding your questions and concerns, by contacting me via e-mail at pathd13@blackfoot.net, or call me at 827-4652 or by mail at P.O. Box 1151, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.