Spirit of Our Nation's Flag
The salute to our flag is the promise of loyalty to our country which is the hear of every true American.
Hats Off!
|
.
Bombs bursting in air, to be sure our
flag is still there!
If any of you have ever been to a military funeral
in which taps were played; this brings out a new meaning of it
The words are :
.
Here is something Every American should know. Until I read this,
I didn't know, but I checked it out and it's true:
We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps".
It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and
usually tears in our eyes.
But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you
will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union
Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison 's
Landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side
of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who
lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or
Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring
the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach
through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and
began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered
it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went
numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier.
It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when
the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in
the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of
his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his
enemy status. His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play
a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.
The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. However,
out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him
only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to
play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the
pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" ... used at military
funerals was born.
Day is done..
Gone the sun.
From the lakes.
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.
Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun.
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky.
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh.
I have felt chills while listening to "Taps",even as a child,
living across the street from Downey Hospital where the injured
lived in temporary barrack housing, while getting treatment for
their injuries. Some never left Downey-due to what happened to
them during their service for our country, during war time.
I have a deep respect for this song. Please- Remember Those Lost
and Harmed While Serving Their Country. Also, those presently serving
in the Armed Forces.
Do you know this piece of history?
Meaning of a Flag Drapped Coffin
The 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 believe it's high time Americans get re-educated about this
Nation's history.
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 lays 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.
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 alwa ys 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, 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 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 b
oundaries 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.
[Image removed]
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." /B>
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 ship mates 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.
MAY GOD PROTECT US ALWAYS. ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND
JUSTICE FOR ALL.
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