Give you two guess what I did this past week?? I decided to sign up to be a soldiersangel.. Just so happens that the gentleman that I got this time is a U.S.Marine. You see I did this in the past. In fact my whole family and I spent last year blessing and honoring a soldier through letters and care packages. Most of the military that is chosen for this are those that don't have family that write and lack on the gift boxes and letters. It was truly an honor to share what we could last year. Sadly we never heard from our soldier, but we must keep in mind that through this program we are not asking for penpals.. but supporting our troops... so many can't and don't have time to write just to say "hello".. they are giving the ultimate gift for us.. our Freedom.. just as Jesus gave to us... but in so many different levels.
With in minutes of me signing up I was giving a solider. Being that this is a very public forum I can't give you names, web-sites or details, but only that I'm looking forward to blessing another soldier. All they ask is for one letter a week.. and a possible carepackage once a month nothing elaborate or fancy.. just a few "thinking of you's"... So what do you think?? Can you write a letter once a week?? I hope so!!
Something I found interesting too.. and thought I would share.. I never knew this...
Flag Folding Ceremony
The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform.
In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.
(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the flag into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing ready.)
The first fold of our flag is a 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 a 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 times 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 in to 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, 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 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 Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."
(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.)
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.
Here is the bridge while in use... notice the railroad tracks and such..
This is the picture I took.. Look at the difference.. now it's really a bike trail.. and a place for fisherman.. up close there is graffiti on it...
My boys at the end...
The side view...
