I 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 flag of the United States of America consists of 13 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars. The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 U.S. states and the 13 stripes represent the original Thirteen Colonies that rebelled against the British Crown and became the first states in the Union. Nicknames for the flag include the stars and stripes, Old Glory, the American flag, and the star-spangled banner (also the name of the country's official national anthem).
Because of its symbolism, the starred blue canton is called the "union". This part of the national flag can stand alone as a maritime flag called the Union Jack.

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       Did 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 American Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

       The first fold 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 American Citizens trusting in God, it is to HIM We turn in times of peace as well as in times 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 hearts that we 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 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.





      The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers, for it has been through their faith, their Love, loyalty and devotion that the characters of the men and women who have made this Country great have 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 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 twelfth fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.





      The thirteenth fold, or 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. There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have important deep meanings. In the future, when you see flags folded, you will know why. Please share this symbol of “Liberty and Freedom” with all of you friends and loved ones.