A Walking New Man

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Amidst the rolling green expanse of the National Mall, families gather—a living testament to the enduring ties that bind generations, anchored in a love that transcends race and outward appearances. This love, intertwined with life, family, and patriotic allegiance, is enveloped in faith. For those who sacrificed their lives, their shared blood was a vibrant red, a testament to their passion to defend their country and their willing hearts. They now find tranquility and solace in the celestial rest of white, while we, the living, dwell under the divine canopy of heavenly blue.

Like the flag with its multitude of stars, let us cling to life and proliferate, so we may partake in and reap the joy it offers. As Christ once proclaimed in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Through the sacrifice of the fallen, we honor them in our memories, keeping their heroic deeds alive through our actions, our way of life, and the continuity of generations. For those who gave their lives, let us live. For there are those who are now willing to give theirs, like a father for his family and the mother who stands by him in all he does.

The veteran sailor can walk his snow-white dog across the grassy field, beneath the towering silhouette of the Washington Monument, a tribute to General George Washington. In this world, the soldiers - Coast Guard and Army can traverse the same green field in their twilight years, free from the haunting specter of war. They uphold the tradition of all, as their descendants partake in the Memorial Day observance for the fallen. On this day, we remember not only the military personnel who have given their lives, but also the enduring spirit of the nation and the resilience of the families that constitute it.

The Air Force father, once soaring the skies, can sit in the comforting embrace of his Marine wife, together savoring the freedom, as their elected leader soars above in his steel wings, and above all, the Lord God reigns in the heavens. As they nurture their young, they prepare for a future where the cosmos will be his domain.

In the fluttering of the flag, we stand tall, and in its 13 folds, we acknowledge:

 

1.    The sanctity of Life
2.    The promise of Eternal Life
3.    The dedication of Veterans
4.    Our Weaker Nature
5.    Our love for Country
6.    The strength of the Heart
7.    The valor of the Armed Forces
8.    Our Tribute to the Departed
9.    The grace of Womanhood
10.    The responsibility of Fatherhood
11.    The contributions of Hebrew Citizens
12.    The faith of Christian Citizens
13.    The Nation’s Honor
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Echoing Stephen Decatur’s words, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

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The ceremonial folding of the American flag is a revered tradition in the U.S. military, steeped in symbolism and respect. Each of the thirteen folds carries a unique significance, representing distinct values and principles. Let’s delve into the profound meanings embodied in each fold:

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Life: The first fold is a symbol of life.

Eternal Life: The second fold signifies belief in eternal life.

Veterans: The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

Weaker Nature: The fourth fold represents the weaker nature of citizens, trusting in God for divine guidance.

Country: The fifth fold is a tribute to the country, echoing Stephen Decatur’s words, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

Heart: The sixth fold is where the heart lies, in allegiance to the flag and the republic it stands for.

Armed Forces: The seventh fold is a tribute to the armed forces, protecting the country and the flag against all enemies.

Tribute to the Departed: The eighth fold is a tribute to those who entered the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mothers.

Womanhood: The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that has molded the nation’s character.
 

Fatherhood: The tenth fold is a tribute to fathers who have given their children for the defense of the country.

Hebrew Citizens: The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Christian Citizens: The twelfth fold, in the eyes of Christian citizens, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

Nation’s Honor: The thirteenth and final fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of the nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”
 

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🎨PSW·3✒©