The LuLac Edition #3546, July 4th, 2017

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA 

MEDIA MATTERS

THE IRREGULARS HOST FLAG EXPERT

THE IRREGULARS THINK TANK BREAKFAST

JULY 2017

The Irregulars Think Tank Breakfast will be held in Ballroom A on the second floor of The Irem Clubhouse at Irem Temple Country Club in Dallas on Saturday, July 8. Presenter Rev. William Lewis has chosen “Our Flag” for the title of his presentation, and in his most unique way, Rev. Lewis will touch upon interesting tidbits of it's past, present--and future. Coincidentally, we are honored to have Rev. Lewis talk to us about the flag because July 4th is the celebration of our Independence Day. The flag bears the symbol of the United States as an independent nation. As Francis Scott Key wrote in his famous poem that later became the words for the origin of “The Star-Spangled Banner, “Oh long may it wave, O’er the Land of the free and the Home of the Brave!” Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and buffet-style breakfast is served at 9:00 a.m. Breakfast is over when the last person walks out the door. Cost is $11 per person and we ask that you reply now whether, or not, you will be attending.

PRESENTER

Reverend Bill Lewis

Rev. Lewis is a current resident historian and United Methodist Pastor, Ret., from the Back Mountain. He is a graduate of Keystone College and Lycoming College and earned his Master’s and Doctorate degrees from Drew University. Rev. Lewis attended Army War College. He served as Army Chaplain for 23-years retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He has been noted for donning his signature red, white and blue colors with a giant top hat to match when offering his program. He has helped young and old alike learn more about the flag for decades. His personal mission is to insure that we know about its conception to its present state and beyond. The meaning of the flag, its traditions, proper display and proper disposal will be discussed. Displaying the flag at half-staff and the proper method for folding the flag will also be addressed.
United Methodist Pastor Bill Lewis, Ret.
Rev. Lewis and his lovely wife Sharron reside on Kingswood Drive in Dallas Township. They have two adult sons Abram and Ethan.

WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES

Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? Each fold of the U.S. flag has an important meaning verified to its accuracy in this writing at the U.S. Air Force Academy website.
1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
3. 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.
4. 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 time of war for His divine guidance.
5. 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."
6. 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.
7. 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 are found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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. Those 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.