According to military tradition, once a US Flag is lifted from the casket, it is then tilted down in front of the casket to block everyone's view. The Flag is then held up for everyone to see and taps is then played softly in the distance. This is referred to as, "Presenting The Colors."

Tradition holds that at this time the fighting spirit of the veteran then enters the Flag to find rest in God's eternal grace. Once the Flag has been folded, both the Flag and the veteran are formally "Retired" forever. From that point on, no one but God Himself is allowed to unfold, or "Recall", the Flag until Christ returns.

Now you know why vets always salute folded US Flags. Don't be surprised if you cry a little the next time you see Old Glory waving in the breeze. Why is the American Flag folded 13 times? Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American Flag exactly 13 times?

I've known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits of 1776), but only recently learned why the flag was folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran.

Here it is: The first fold of our Flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life in Jesus Christ.  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 as American citizens 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 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 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 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, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith in God, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for him, too, he has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen 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 twelfth 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 Spirit. After the thirteenth fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust."