On a crisp morning at The Ledge, community members from nearby towns like Jackson, Medina, Humboldt, and Lexington gathered for a heartfelt Biscuits ‘n’ Tips event. Veterans, families, and neighbors came together to reflect on the meaning behind the 13 folds of the American flag, share stories of service, and celebrate the values that unite us.
What Are the 13 Folds of the American Flag?
Each fold carries deep symbolism:
- First Fold – Symbol of life.
- Second Fold – Symbol of our belief in eternal life.
- Third Fold – Made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country.
- Fourth Fold – Represents our weaker nature; as citizens trusting in God, we turn to Him for guidance in peace and war.
- Fifth Fold – A tribute to our country. “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.” — Stephen Decatur.
- Sixth Fold – For where our hearts lie; it is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag and the Republic.
- Seventh Fold – A tribute to our Armed Forces, who protect our country and flag against all enemies.
- Eighth Fold – A tribute to the one who entered the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother.
- Ninth Fold – A tribute to womanhood, whose faith, love, and devotion have molded the character of our nation.
- Tenth Fold – A tribute to father, who has also given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country.
- Eleventh Fold – Represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- Twelfth Fold – Represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
- Thirteenth Fold – When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto: “In God We Trust.”
When folded, the flag reminds us of the soldiers who served under George Washington and the freedoms we enjoy today.
Learn how to fold the flag Flag-Folding Procedures | The American Legion.
Stories of Service and Sacrifice
Nine veterans spoke about their service, from Vietnam to active duty. Families shared memories of loved ones lost.
Lt. Col. Susan Parker reflected on how far we’ve come, from handwritten letters to video calls that let her see her family open Christmas gifts across the globe.
She spoke of powerful symbols like the flag raised at Iwo Jima and Ground Zero, and the patch on her right arm, where the flag appears backward, symbolizing it charging into battle. “It’s more than just stars and stripes,” she said. “The stars represent our states. The stripes, our original colonies. Red is for valor and sacrifice. White stands for purity and unity. Blue is resilience.”
A POW’s Quiet Defiance
One story stood out. Mike Christian, a POW in North Vietnam, secretly stitched an American flag using a bamboo needle and scraps from care packages. He hung it daily to say the Pledge of Allegiance. When guards found it, he was beaten. But by the next morning, he was already stitching a new one. His quiet defiance became a symbol of hope for fellow prisoners.
Hope in the Flag
Lt. Col. Parker also shared the story of Lina, her translator during her first deployment. Lina grew up in Baghdad, hiding under her kitchen table during bombings. Her mother told her, “It’s going to be okay. It’s the Americans.” The sight of the flag gave her hope. Lina later became a U.S. citizen, went to college, and found freedom and opportunity in the stars and stripes.
Visit The Ledge in Spring Creek, TN
The Ledge is your gathering hall for events, education, and enrichment. Want to attend future events like Biscuits ‘n’ Tips? Check out our calendar.
