Military Funeral Flag Presentation Protocol

[Moderator]

A United States flag drapes the casket of deceased veterans to honor the memory of their service to America. The flag is placed so that the blue field with stars is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased.

After Taps has been played, the flag is carefully folded into the symbolic tri-cornered shape. A properly proportioned flag will fold 13 times on the triangles, representing the 13 original colonies. The folded flag is emblematic of the tri-cornered hat worn by the Patriots of the American Revolution. When folded, no red or white stripe is to be evident, leaving only the blue field with stars.

The folded flag is then presented as a keepsake to the next of kin or an appropriate family member. Each branch of the Armed Forces uses its own wording for the presentation ...

U.S. Air Force: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of (Service Member's rank and name)."

U.S. Army: "This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."

U.S. Coast Guard: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and the Coast Guard."

U.S. Marine Corps: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and Corps."

U.S. Navy: "On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to this Country and a grateful Navy."

If the next of kin has expressed a religious preference or belief, add: "God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America."

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After an American flag has been used for a Military or Veterans funeral, it should never be flown again or displayed in any other way than in the tri-fold shape in which it was presented to the next of kin. In other words, the folded flag should never be "opened" again. There are many appropriate display cases available for purchase to display the burial flag and to protect it from wear and fading.

[Moderator]

DRAPING THE CASKET WITH THE
NATIONAL FLAG:

This custom began during the Napoleonic Wars (1796-1815). The dead carried from the field of battle on a caisson were covered with a flag. When the U.S. flag covers the casket, it is placed so the union blue field is at the head and over the left shoulder. It is not placed in the grave and is not allowed to touch the ground.

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FLAGS FOR MILITARY FUNERALS:

Flags are provided for burial services of Servicemembers and Veterans. The flag for one who dies on active duty is provided by one's branch of service. Flags for other Veterans are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The flag is presented to the next of kin at the end of the funeral, usually by the military chaplain. If there is no next of kin present, the flag may be presented to the Veteran's close friend or associate if requested.

[Moderator]

ORDER OF SUCCESSION FOR RECEIVING THE BURIAL FLAG


For a Servicemember who died while serving on active duty, the line of succession is ...

If the deceased was serving on active duty, he/she would have appointed a Primary Next-of-Kin in writing. That is the person whom the Military would notify if something happens to the Servicemember. It is not necessarily the surviving spouse. In addition, the Servicemember may have listed one or more alternates. That is the order the Military uses for notification and may also use for presenting the burial flag at a Military funeral.

If the deceased was a Veteran (someone who died after being discharged from the Military), the funeral director should ask the family who will receive the burial flag and then inform the leader of the Honor Guard when the procession arrives at the cemetery. If there is any dispute, the order is as follows (assuming the Veteran has not left written instructions) ...

The flag is usually lifted from the coffin and folded during, or immediately following, the 3-volley rifle salute and the sounding of Taps. Placing spent shell casings into the fold of a Military Funeral Flag violates provisions of the United States Flag Code.

After a flag has been used for a Military or Veterans funeral, it should never be flown again or displayed in any other way than in the tri-fold shape in which it was presented to the next of kin. In other words, the folded flag should never be "opened" again. There are many appropriate display cases available for purchase to display the burial flag and to protect it from wear and fading.