Tribute to a Friend

Yesterday I had the privilege to attend a memorial/celebration service of a dear friend. Years ago I had the privelage or shall I say honor to meet a couple. Both of them have been such a blessing to me. Years ago I worked at Dairy Queen doing Drive-thru and helping out in other areas. One day when I was working Jack and Charlotte came through Drive-thru and I witnessed to them. Which is pretty much where our relationship began as luck would have it they both beleived in God they just enjoyed listening to me witness and speak words of encouragement.

Jack went into the Air-Force at the age of 18. Where as luck would have it God would use Him to train many pilots during the Cold War and the Vietnam War.

Here are some quotes which meant a lot to Jack:
"If a man happens to find himself, he has a mansion which he can inhabit with dignity all the days of his life." ------ James A. Michener

"There never was a time when I did not exist, no you..... nor is there any future in which we shall cease to be." --- Sri Krishna, The Bhagavad Gita

This was the first celebration service that I had been honoring someone who served and saved so many lives when he was in the Air-Force.

I can't begin to describe how it felt in my heart to see the folding of the flag. But I can tell you what each fold means.

The 1st Fold our Flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd Fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The 3rd Fold is made in honor and remebrance of the Veterns departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our Country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th 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 war for His divine guidance.

The 5th 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 6th 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 the republic for which it stands, One Nation Under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for ALL.

The 7th 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 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 our country since they were first born.

The 11th Fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrew's eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The 12th Fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christian's eyes, God and Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th Fold or when the 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 gor us the right, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

JACK ALKEMA

JUNE 6, 1933 -- OCTOBER 18, 2009