meaning of the flag drap on military coffins

I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the
> flag draped coffin really means ... Here is how to understand the flag
> that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.
>
> Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands
> for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
>
> Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention
> to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You
> probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we
> learn something new every day!
>
> The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.
>
> The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
>
> The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans
> departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of
> the country to attain peace throughout the world.
>
> The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American
> citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well
> as in time of war for His divine guidance.
>
> The 5th fold is a tribute to the 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 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their
> heart that They pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of
> America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God,
> indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
>
> The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through
> the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against
> all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries
> of their republic.
>
> The 8th 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.
>
> The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. 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 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given
> his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were
> first born.
>
> The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King
> David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of
> Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
>
> The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in
> the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
>
> The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars
> are uppermost reminding them of their nations 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 them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy
> today.
>
> There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have
> deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will
> know why.
>