On Sun, 24 May 2020 17:47:46 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

Memorial Day thoughts:

One of the moving parts of a military ceremony for a deceased
veteran is the Honor Guard precisely folding the American Flag
13 times and then presenting it to the deceased's next of kin.

Why 13 times?

Many assume it's in honor of the original 13 states, but that's
not the reason. Here's the meaning or tribute of each fold:

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

2. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.

3. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the
veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion
of his or her life for the defense of our country to
attain peace.

4. The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as
citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His
divine guidance.

5. The fifth fold is an acknowledgement 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.”

6. 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.

7. 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 enemies.

8. 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 our mother, for whom it flies on
Mother’s Day.

9. The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been
through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the
character of men and women who have made this country great
have been molded.

10. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given
his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since
he or she was first-born.

11. The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, 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.

12. The 12th 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 Ghost.

13. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars
are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God
We Trust.”

See now a math guy like John might also point out that it has to do
with the geometry of the flag

;-)

Yes we learned out how to fold a flag in elementary school, back when
the Lord's Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance was part of the morning
opening.