Flag-Folding Policy for National Cemeteries
Oct 31, 2007 9:17:19 GMT -6
Post by Moderator on Oct 31, 2007 9:17:19 GMT -6
October, 2007
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Cemetery Administration has issued a directive for volunteer Honor Guard units that perform Military Funeral Honors for Veterans in cemeteries operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
VA had received numerous complaints by individuals, groups and families that a volunteer Honor Guard in California was performing a recitation of the meaning of each of the 13 folds of the American Flag. The wording uses language that has become popular on the internet which appears to favor one particular religion over other religions.
In order to ensure that the families are comfortable with graveside recitations performed by volunteer Honor Guard units at the funerals of their loved ones, VA issued the following protocol ...
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To ensure burial services at the 125 national cemeteries operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reflect the wishes of veterans and their families, VA officials have clarified the Department's policy about recitations made while the U.S. flag is folded at the gravesite of a veteran.
A family may request the recitation of words to accompany the meaningful presentation of the American flag as we honor the dedication and sacrifice of their loved ones.
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Traditional gravesite Military Funeral Honors include the silent folding and presentation of an American Flag to the Primary Next-of-Kin, a three-volley rifle salute, and the sounding of Taps.
Please Note ... the popular, so-called "Meaning of the 13 Folds of the American Flag" that has been circulating on the internet for years has no basis in historical fact or Military tradition. The 13 folds of the U.S. Flag represent the 13 original American colonies and nothing else. Based on numerous rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court in the last 50 years, the "Meaning of the 13 Folds of the American Flag" would be found unconstitutional if it was officially sanctioned by the Federal government or any State government.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Cemetery Administration has issued a directive for volunteer Honor Guard units that perform Military Funeral Honors for Veterans in cemeteries operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
VA had received numerous complaints by individuals, groups and families that a volunteer Honor Guard in California was performing a recitation of the meaning of each of the 13 folds of the American Flag. The wording uses language that has become popular on the internet which appears to favor one particular religion over other religions.
In order to ensure that the families are comfortable with graveside recitations performed by volunteer Honor Guard units at the funerals of their loved ones, VA issued the following protocol ...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To ensure burial services at the 125 national cemeteries operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reflect the wishes of veterans and their families, VA officials have clarified the Department's policy about recitations made while the U.S. flag is folded at the gravesite of a veteran.
A family may request the recitation of words to accompany the meaningful presentation of the American flag as we honor the dedication and sacrifice of their loved ones.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Traditional gravesite Military Funeral Honors include the silent folding and presentation of an American Flag to the Primary Next-of-Kin, a three-volley rifle salute, and the sounding of Taps.
Please Note ... the popular, so-called "Meaning of the 13 Folds of the American Flag" that has been circulating on the internet for years has no basis in historical fact or Military tradition. The 13 folds of the U.S. Flag represent the 13 original American colonies and nothing else. Based on numerous rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court in the last 50 years, the "Meaning of the 13 Folds of the American Flag" would be found unconstitutional if it was officially sanctioned by the Federal government or any State government.