If you can disrespect the flag, you have obviously never received a folded one. You obviously don't realize what it stands for. And for anyone who can stomp on the flag, burn it, or treat it any disrespectful way: YOU ARE NOT AMERICAN! I look at the flag and feel a sense of pride. I also tear up when it's blowing gracefully in the wind as the national anthem plays. I feel people need to understand how important this is!

The red stands for bloodshed and is not shown because we want to remember the courage they had. The shape is a triangle because of hats worn by Revolutionary soldiers. The steps of folding the flag are as followed:

• Fold One - Symbol of life
• Fold Two - Symbol of belief in eternal life
• Fold Three - Honor and remembrance of veterans
• Fold Four - Symbol of our weaker nature
• Fold Five - Tribute to the United States of America
• Fold Six - Symbol of our hearts and devotion
• Fold Seven - Tribute to the Armed Forces
• Fold Eight - For those who went into the "Valley of the Shadow of Death"
• Fold Nine - Tribute to womanhood and its giving and nurturing nature
• Fold Ten - Tribute to our fathers who gave their sons to protect our land
• Fold Eleven - Dedication to Jews and represents the bottom of the Seal of King David and King Solomon
• Fold Twelve - Represents the Christian and glorifies God.

My point is that the flag isn't something to disrespect. It holds so much meaning. When you disrespect it, you are disrespecting everyone who has lost their lives fighting for you. Fighting to protect you so you stay safe. Fighting to keep the freedom you have.

While you are safe and warm in your bed, they are probably sleeping in the dirt and fearing what may happen during the night. Some never get to return their bed and that's another point. The families of these men and women sometimes just get this folded flag.

I don't just say this because my dad served, but because to risk your life for someone else is a selfless act of courage and they need to be honored! The service men and women who have lost their lives deserve to at least be remembered rather than ripped apart by their own citizens. And the families of these service men and women deserve our condolences rather than criticism.

So, thank you to those who have risked their life and to those dealing with the loss.