A Great-Grand Memorial Day

We just had a very nice weekend visit to Danny's Grandma and Grandpa’s place in Jameson, Missouri. They are serving a mission at Adam-Ondi-Ahman, a Church history site. We knew that with the baby coming, we might not get out there again before their mission ends in September, so we took the Memorial Day break to take a trip. This was our third visit there while they have been serving and we have really enjoyed the times we have had with them. Since we have seen the sites and experiences of the area with them on the last two visits, we just spent time at their farm house and went to church with them. We also got to be there for a neat Memorial Day breakfast honoring the veterans of our Nation, of which Grandpa is one. He served in World War II, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at him! He is so lively and full of energy, he seems much younger than his age. Even though he didn’t have his uniform with him, he proudly took part with the other veterans in the ceremony.
Lexie and Gavin loved visiting their great-grandparents. Lexie really took to her Great-Grandpa. He is so affectionate and she just ate it up, wanting to sit with him and talk to him. It was cute to see how loving she was to him when she usually shies away from people. Gavin is in the habit of blessing “Grandma and Grandpa on their mission” when he says his prayers, and I think they were touched when they actually heard him pray for them! I think both kids said they never wanted to leave. The fun factor was this tree swing of a large plank of oak attached to a chain from a tall tree in Grandma and Grandpa’s front yard. Lexie and Gavin spent the majority of their time taking turns on that while Danny let them go from over his head! They loved it.

"Dad, push us on the swing!" was all Danny heard this weekend!
Lexie and Gavin loved to be with their great grandparents.
Great-Grandma read to the kids and picked out a special toy for each of the kids to welcome them. They loved to hear her read to them.

The Memorial Day Flag Ceremony was a really neat way to commemorate Memorial Day, as it should be. My parents have always instilled in me the tradition of visiting the graves of our ancestors to honor them and their memory. Since we are not in Utah this year, this was a neat way to remember those who served our country and awarded us the freedoms we enjoy by giving their own lives. The 21-gun salute and the bugle playing “Taps” was a perfect way to finish our trip. We're proud to know Grandpa served his country in World War II.

The traditional flag folding was part of the ceremony, and this description was read to us. I had never heard it before, and it was so touching I thought I would put it here for our family to remember as we memorialize those who have fought for our freedom.

WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES

Have you ever wondered why the Flag of the United States of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the next of kin at the burial of a veteran? Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means:

The first fold of our Flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time 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 Flagof 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 into 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, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to the 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 Spirit.

When the Flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our Nation's 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 us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

The next time you see a Flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in our civilian services such as the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every move-ment.

They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our Flag and our Country.

–Author Unknown