Have you ever noticed during a Military Funeral or Flag Lowering Ceremony the honor guard pays particular attention to the folding of the American Flag?  Just like the 21 gun salute was determined by adding the digits 1776 together, there is a reason they fold the American Flag 13 times.  

In addition to symbolizing the first 13 states, each fold also has a meaning:

1st fold = symbol of life.

2nd fold = symbol of our belief in eternal life.

3rd fold = honor & remember of the veterans who gave all or some of their lives defending our country or to attain peace throughout the world.

4th fold = symbol of our weaker nature as humans & American Citizens trusting in God, whom we turn to in times of war and peace for His divine guidance.

5th fold = tribute to our country.

6th fold = symbol for where our hearts lie because 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."

7th fold = tribute to our Armed Forces, thru which our country and flag are defended against our enemies within our boundries and in the world.

8th fold = tribute to the one (Jesus) who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day (Salvation); and to honor mothers, which is why we fly the flag on Mother's Day.

9th fold = tribute to womanhood: whom mold the character of all the men and women who have contributed to this great country.

10th fold = tribute to the fathers who have given their sons and daughters to defend our country.

11th fold = symbol of the star of David which glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

12th fold = symbol of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

13th fold = as the flag is now completely folded the stars are shown which remind us of our motto: "In God We Trust."

Folded it is in the form of a cocked hat to remind us of the Revolutionary Soldiers who, under George Washington, granted us freedom, liberty and rights we have today.