The use of a burial flag or an internment flag has been around for years in various cultures around the world. Typically, this type of flag is used to honor the service of a deceased veteran for his/her country. And this same honorary act can also be done with the ashes of military personnel.
These flags are often displayed during funerals, burials, and memorial services. And the US military has funeral flags that are presented to the family during internment.
Read more as we are going to provide answers to some of the frequently asked questions on the use of a burial flag in today’s post.
What Protocols Should Be Followed During The Ceremony Of Military Funeral Honors?
Every eligible veteran who has served in the US military is allowed to receive military funeral honors upon the request of their family. The funeral ceremony includes presenting and folding of the US internment flag and playing of taps. Also, the ceremony requires the presence of 2 (or more) uniformed military personnel, preferably both members of the Armed Forces Veteran’s Parent Service or at least 1 of them.
What Happens During The Ceremony Of Military Funeral Honors?
The ceremonial presentation and folding is a tribute to the family of the deceased veteran. During the ceremony, the Taps is played while the US funeral flag is being carefully folded to the symbolic triangular shape. The flag is folded 13 times to represent the 13 original American colonies. Moreover, the shape of the fold is likened to a triangle to symbolize the tri-cornered hat which was worn by American patriots during the revolution.
When folded, there should be no white or red stripe shown but only the blue field and stars. Then, the folded flag will be presented to the appropriate family member or next of kin as a keepsake.
What Is The Protocol Of The Flag Presentation?
The protocol of presenting the funeral flag is as follows:
- Stand facing the recipient of the flag and hold the flag above the waist while the straight edge is facing the recipient.
- Lean toward the recipient of the flag and present the flag in a solemn fashion.
Then, the presenter of the flag will say this statement during the burial service:
“On behalf of the President of the United States (the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Air Force, the United States Coast Guard), and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”
How The Funeral Flag Is Draped On The Casket?
When a burial flag is draped on a closed casket, the blue field should be placed at the top area and over the shoulder to display in a way that it’s like embracing the deceased person.
Moreover, if the flag is draped on a half-couch or half-open casket, the is placed on the lower part of the casket with 3 layer fold and the blue field laid on the left shoulder similar to the placement on a closed casket.
And if the funeral flag is draped on a full-couch or fully-opened casket, it has to be folded in a tri-cornered shape and then placed beside the left area of the head of the deceased.
Can A Flag That Draped On A Casket Be Used Again?
The United States Flag Code does not make any reference to this matter. However, there is a difference in how the flag is to be used. Some experts feel that once it is folded, it should remain as is forever. While others say that it should be displayed normally as a sign of patriotism.
Fact: A funeral flag is 2 times larger than the typical house flag which is 9 1/2’ X 5’ as compared to 5’ X 3’ respectively.
Is It Okay To Wrap The Coffin Of A Patriotic Person Who Did Not Serve In The Military?
There is no law that prohibits any patriotic US citizen from receiving the same military honors that veterans normally receive. However, only those people who have served in the military will be provided a flag for free. Also, it is recommended that it should be explained during the service that the flag draping the coffin is an expression of the departed’s love and patriotism to our country.
To be specific, those who died in the line of duty will receive a funeral flag for free at their branch of service while veterans receive their flags from the Department of Veterans Affairs. And for civilians who want to receive military funeral honors, they have to buy a funeral flag as it will not be given to them for free by the VA or any military agencies in the US.
How To Apply For The Veteran’s Free Flag?
Fill up the VA Form 27-2008 and complete the information needed. Then wait for a few days to get the free flag at the Department of Veterans Affairs or at the nearest US Post Office. In most cases, the funeral director will assist the family of the deceased veteran in getting the flag. Only 1 flag will be issued to a family member or friend as indicated in the VA Form 27-2008.
What To Do If You Were Given A Defective Flag?
You have to return the flag immediately to the VA or US Postal Office so they can replace the defective flag with a flawless one.
What To Do If The Funeral Flag Is Lost, Stolen, Or Damaged?
The law states that only 1 flag should be issued per veteran’s immediate family or next of kin. However, there are some community groups and organizations that might be able to help you secure another flag in case the issued flag was lost, stolen, or damaged.
Can A War Veteran Be Wrapped In A US Flag Upon Burial?
And lastly, the practice of wrapping a war veteran during internment with the American burial flag is perfectly acceptable based on the old tradition.
If you want to learn more facts about the American flag, you can visit RealAmericanFlag.com today.