Who knew?

A sudden and unexpected patriotic stirring convinced me post this. I used to admire the graphic quality of flags growing up. The first design of the United States flag was created by a declaration by the Continental Congress in 1777...long before my childhood. But there is more behind the flag than just a branding of our country, the flag has plenty of intrinsic meaning.

Basic Flag Handling:
US flags may only be raised in clement weather, may never touch the ground, and shall only be flown at night with proper illumination.

I never knew, but when one folds a US flag, each triangle fold has significance:
First fold - Symbol of life
Second fold - Belief of eternal life
Third fold - Honor and remembrance of past veterans
Fourth fold - Our weaker nature and trust in God
Fifth fold - Tribute to country
Sixth fold - Where our hearts lie (Where we pledge allegiance)
Seventh fold - Tribute to the Armed Forces
Eighth fold - Psalm 23 and honor our Mothers
Ninth fold - Tribute to womanhood
Tenth fold - Tribute to fatherhood
Eleventh fold - Seal of King David & Seal of King Solomon
Twelfth fold - Represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Also, symbolizes the day's light vanishing into the darkness of the night.

References:
Martha Stewart: Flag Folding & USflag.org

Thanks Lia.