My name is Jennifer and I am a collector.
To you...and me.... this is not a bad thing.
To some people it is.
I collect antiques, angels, books, and about a half dozen other things. No I am not a hoarder.
I have shared my book collection with all of you and today I thought I would share another of my obsessions....I mean collections.
The American Flag.
It started with this flag which I bought from an antique store. It was tattered and sad. My original thought was that I would buy it and then give it to the Veteran's Association so it could be properly destroyed.
You see there are protocol's to follow when it comes to our flag.
According to the United States Code,Title 4 Chapter 1, Section 8, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."
But I couldn't part with it. It's respectfully displayed in the Mom Cave.
There are flags everywhere at my house.
Outside and inside
I have always had a love of the American Flag.
I got it from my Dad. When I was young he taught me how to fold a flag, how not to let it touch the ground and why, the proper way to display a flag and the proper way to dispose of one.
He was a proud man who served in the army in his youth.
Even though he spent only a sort time serving his country he continued to behave in a manner of pride of service and he demanded that his children respect and be grateful to those who have fought for our freedom
When he died of a massive heart attck at the young age of 62 in January of 1997
they laid this flag upon his coffin.
The local veterans association attended his service where they folded his flag in the traditional manner and presented it to my Mother.
Each fold has a meaning.
The first fold of our flag 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 veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; as 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 heart 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 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 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, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
I am proud to be his daughter for many reasons but his love of country and his pride are some of the lessons I cherish the most. I guess that is truely why I collect flags. Their meaning to me is more than just a symbol of our country but it is also a link to my Beloved Father.
So I ask dear blogger friends do you have a collection? Does it have a deeper meaning?
Have a Wonderful Wednesday!
6 comments:
That is a nice story! Your flag pictures are lovely.
I have books apart from that I don't really collect anything. I throw stuff away or sell it. But I don't think collecting is a bad thing.
Wow, I didn't know all of that. Thanks!
I actually have a little flag collection. It's this thing from when I was a kid. It's all different flags that have flown over the USA. It was a bicentennial thing Safeway did. I still have it stored somewhere.
I'm actually a collector, too. Drives my wife crazy. If she only knew how much I've learned to moderate myself.
Of course, that doesn't get rid of the stuff I came with. heh
Thank you so much for posting this! I love the FLAG! My father was also in the Army. He served 20 years and died a year after retiring on a construction accident. I was only 12 at the time. So I grew up for 11 years living on bases around the country. It was strange for me to live as a civilian and not see things such as our country's flag everywhere. I am a complete baby when it comes to the military and the national anthem. It touches a soft spot and makes me remember all who served but especially my dad and now my son is in the military. It angers me when others don't respect our flag as it is presented in various events.
Thank you again for sharing this and keep on collecting those flags! I am a minimalist too and my husband isn't - so it gets interesting. This is one collection though that we would both be proud to show off.
This is just a beautiful post!
Hm... a collection? I'm more of a minimalist myself.
Right now I do have a collection of baby items in my garage. I keep wanting to have a garage sale but they all mean a lot to me and it's hard to let go. :-) I'm really sentimental like that and I remember each of the girls wearing the outfits and how they were at different stages of adorable babyness and all..
I need help. :-)
Oh, PS, I keep forgetting to tell you... Graveminder is free on the nook right now.
Happy Wednesday!
I am not very good with things and I don't have a collection. I am not patient enough...
Your post is a fantastic tribute to your Dad. And I didn't know that the folding of the flag was such an art.
Gosh, Jennifer I had no idea and I was in the military. I feel shamed. I didn't know each fold meant something. Thanks for sharing this post. You're patriotism is inspiring.
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