The ‘Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500’ featured a special salute to fallen military service members on Lap 13. That lap was chosen because of the thirteen folds in the American flag given to families of fallen service men and women.
Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means:
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
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, 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 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 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,
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 he, too, 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.
When the Flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost
reminding us of our Nation's 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 freedoms we enjoy today.
Fans attending today’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway were asked to raise and hold replicas of folded American flags on Lap 13 in a show of honor. The event is also a fundraiser for Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization that helps to pay for the education of children and adults whose parents or spouses are killed or injured in military service.
"Pilots are car nuts and watch nuts. When you go fast all the time, you want to go fast even when you're just driving around, it's such a drug," Faulkner-Brown, a family member taking part in the salute recallse with a laugh. "We were definitely racing fans and loved to drive fast cars, too."
"The 10th fold in the flag is for the fathers," Faulkner-Brown explains further about the significance of the name Folds of Honor. Each of the 13 folds in a ceremonial flag has a specific meaning. "The sons and daughters give so much to their country, too. It's not just the service member who gives."
Of the one million-plus dependents adversely affected by deployments,
nearly nine out of 10 do not qualify for federal scholarship assistance.
Since 2007, the Folds of Honor has carried forth this singular, noble
mission. To close the gap, providing educational support to spouses and
children of America's fallen and wounded soldiers.
The next time you see a Flag ceremony honoring someone
that has served our country, either in the Armed
Forces or in our civilian services such as the Police
Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the
important reasons behind each and every movement.
They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by
honoring our Flag and our Country.
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