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Lamborn Defends Religious Freedom for Veterans

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-5) today sent a letter to President Bush regarding the National Cemetery Administration’s ban on references to God during the traditional 13-fold recitation and flag presentation to families performed at burial ceremonies.

“Ceremony details of this nature should be left to individual families and veterans, not a government agency. If they choose to invoke the name of God, Jesus Christ, or any reference to the Almighty, government should not interfere…I vigorously urge you to take immediate action to reverse the decision of the National Cemetery Administration’s directive to remove any references to God during any portion of the burial proceedings, including the folding and presentation of the American flag to surviving family members.”—Congressman Lamborn (CO-5)

In addition, Congressman Lamborn is urging his colleagues in Congress to pursue an investigation into this injustice.

“This recent news follows a disturbing pattern. It is part of a trend by some in this great nation to sanitize our rich religious heritage and the name of the Lord from the public square.”—Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-5)

13 Flag Folds:

1.) The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

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

3.) The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a 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 times 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 be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

8.) The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to 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, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

10.) The tenth fold is a tribute to 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 Ghost.

13.) When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God we Trust.”

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