Following Veterans Day in early November and during the runup to Peal Harbor Remembrance Day in December, we receive numerous requests for information about interment flags for veterans. While the Veterans Administration does offer a flag to every veteran for his or her funeral ceremony (we've placed a link to this information below), it is still possible to purchase Government military-grade flags for this purpose when a situation arises where more than one flag is called for.
Military Funerals
Military funeral ceremonies vary in scope. Influential factors include whether the individual was active or retired, and their rank and occupation. Specific traditions will subsequently be added to or omitted from the funeral ceremony based upon these considerations.
All military funerals include the deployment of an American flag that is ceremonially draped over the casket. This United States flag is then meticulously folded thirteen times by a total of six honor guards, three on either side of the casket. After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, the stars point upward and the flag takes on the shape of a tricorn hat (a reminder of George Washington).
Once folded, an honor guard presents the flag to the next of kin. The presenter, a member of the same branch of service if possible, will lean forward and present the folded flag with the straight edge facing the recipient. Next, the presenter will recite the following passage:
"On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force or 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."
Obtaining an American Flag
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs will furnish a single burial flag for most honorably discharged veterans, providing that a family member or friend complete an application on their behalf after they are deceased. This information and more can be found by following this link to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
However, the law only allows for the issue of one flag per service member. In the event that a flag becomes lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed the Veterans Administration is unable to replace it. Furthermore, if more than one family member wishes to receive an honorary flag to remember their loved one by, the Veterans Administration is not legally able to provide any extra flags either. In those situations, it is best to order an American-made, Government military-grade interment flag to be certain that the size, shape, and quality are on par with those used by the United States Military.
Photo Call!
Send us your pictures of American Military funeral ceremonies, American flags, flagpoles, ropes, or other accessories! We would be honored to feature your photography in our blog or on Facebook. Remember, photos of damaged flags and accessories are valuable, too.
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Have a great day, from your friends at LIBERTY FLAGS, The American Wave®.
