The first fold of our flag is the symbol of life

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; for peace 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 Steven Decatur.... "Our country, in dealing with the 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 our hearts that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which is 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, 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 tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given of his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since she was first born

The eleventh fold, is in the eyes of the 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 the Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, god the father, the son and the holy spirit.

The thirteenth and final fold signified the original 13 colonies upon which this great nation was founded

We fold from the stripes to the stars, for, whereas the stripes represent the thirteen original colonies that founded our republic, they are now embodied in the fifty sovereign states represented by the stars, which cover the stripes

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national 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 the freedoms we enjoy today.

Copied from the Coast Guard's website http://www.uscg.mil/USCG.shtm