I found out just recently that the shell casings from the 21 gun salute are placed in the folds of the folded flag before it is given to the person.

Thanks to Robert A. Foster, of Greenville, Ohio who answered the question, "What is the meaning of the folds of the flag that drape a casket?"

The premise is simple: the folds represent the same religious principles which our nation was originally founded on. When completely folded the  flag will be in a "cocked hat" shape, with the blue canton denoting honor, and the blue contains the stars which represent the States the veteran fought for when wearing a uniform of the country's military services.

The meaning of the folds are:

First fold -- Symbol of life.

Second fold -- Belief in eternal life

Third fold -- Honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of his/her life for the defense of our country

Fourth fold -- Represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to God we turn to in times of peace, as in time of war, for divine guidance

Fifth fold -- Represents our country; "...still our country, right or wrong."

Sixth fold -- Where our hearts lie, account it is with our hearts we pledge our 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.

Seventh fold -- Tribute to the Armed Forces of our country who protect our country and flag against enemies, within and without the Republic.

Eighth fold -- To honor the mother of the veteran.

Ninth fold -- Honoring American womanhood through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion to the character of the men and women they have molded.

Tenth -- Tribute to fathers, for they too, have given their sons and daughters for the defense of the country.

Eleventh fold -- Glorifying the God of the Hebrews of the Old Testament of the Holy Bible.

Twelfth fold -- Glorifying the God of the New Testament, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded the blue canton and stars are uppermost, reminding us of your national motto: "In God We Trust." When properly folded and tucked it looks like a cocked hat, reminding us of soldiers who served under General George Washington, and sailors and marines who served under John Paul Jones. They, followed by comrades, shipmates and airmen today, have preserved for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. I hope those readers who are interested will save this, especially families who already have a flag from a loved one's burial honors, and for the future for those who have earned the honor by serving their fellow citizens in our nations Armed Forces.

Submitted to the North Platte Telegraph
by guest columnist: Harry Spohn