“
On behalf of the President of the United States
, (the United States Army; the United States Marine Corps; the United States Navy; the United States Air Force or 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 …
What is said when flag is presented to next of kin?
If the next of kin wishes (ask first), add: “
God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America.
” At the end of the ceremony, the flag is presented to the next of kin (see next), usually by the military chaplain.
Why do soldiers kneel when presenting the flag?
Kneel, on one knee, in front of the flag recipient and solemnly present the flag to the recipient. … 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
.
Do you salute during flag folding?
Members should salute as the flag passes by
. … Immediate family members should be allowed to sit at the front in order to receive the folded American flag after the flag-folding honor is carried out.
What does it mean to present a flag?
The ceremonial folding and presentation of the flag is a
moving tribute of lasting importance to the veteran’s family
. … The flag is placed on a closed casket so the union blue field is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased.
Can you unfold a military funeral flag?
Again, while the flag code does not mention the usage of funeral flags,
it does not expressly forbid the unfolding and flying of the flag after the funeral service
.
Why is the flag folded in a triangle?
The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. … In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as
a tribute to our nation’s honored dead
.
What are 3 things you should never do to the flag?
The
flag should never touch anything beneath it
, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
Who gets a 21 gun salute?
Today, the U.S. military fires a 21-gun salute in honor of a national flag, the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of a reigning royal family, and
the president, ex-presidents and president-elect of the United States
.
Why the flag is folded 13 times?
This is what the 13 folds mean:
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life
. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.
Is it disrespectful for a civilian to salute a soldier?
Soldiers are required to perfect the military salute, as
a sloppy salute is considered disrespectful
. A proper salute involves raising the right hand with the fingers and thumb extended and joined together with the palm down.
Is it OK to salute in civilian clothes?
When in uniform indoors, stand at attention, face the flag and remain silent, but you don’t salute. However, if the participants are primarily civilians or in civilian clothes,
you may recite the Pledge of Allegiance if you wish
.
Can a civilian salute a fallen soldier?
“Civilian personnel, to include civilian guards,
are not required to render the hand salute to military personnel
or other civilian personnel. “Salutes are not required to be rendered or returned when the senior or subordinate, or both are in civilian attire.” … The story has to do with saluting.
How do you display a flag on an open casket?
Answer: When a casket is fully open (full couch), common sense suggests that
the flag be folded in the traditional triangular method
, placed in the casket cap above the left shoulder of the deceased.
Who inherits a military flag?
At the funeral, the flag is presented to
the deceased’s next of kin
. The next of kin is the person who is most closely related to the veteran. After receiving the flag, it is tradition among the family members to preserve for display in the house, usually in a frame.
Can you bury an American flag with a person?
When the American flag is used during a ceremony for a service member, there are several rules suggested by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to honor and respect the deceased.
A flag should not be lowered into a grave or touch the ground
. … A flag should never be used to hold or carry anything.
