2. Who Is Eligible to Receive the Burial Flag? Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin , as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service. When there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making request for it.
Why do people put flags on coffins?
Significance: Flags draped over coffins honor the memory of military members who serve the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. ... Protocol: Burial flags should never touch the ground, and when being used to drape a coffin , should never be lowered into the grave.
Who can have a flag on their coffin?
Can his coffin be wrapped in a flag? It is appropriate for any patriotic person to make and be granted the same honor as military to have a flag drape the coffin. Only those who served in the military , however, are provided the flag for free.
Can you fly a coffin flag?
May a person, other than a veteran, have his or her casket draped with the flag of the United States? Yes . Although this honor is usually reserved for veterans or highly regarded state and national figures, the Flag Code does not prohibit this use.
Do firefighters get a flag on their casket?
Flag for casket (Some states have passed a Firefighters’ Memorial Flag Act to honor firefighters who have died in the line-of-duty and have issued a directive prescribing standards and requirements for the use, display, distribution, and return of the Firefighters’ Memorial Flag.
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 .
Can a wife be buried in a national cemetery?
(1) The spouse, surviving spouse or dependent of an eligible Veteran or member of the Armed Forces may be eligible for interment in a national cemetery even if that Veteran is not buried or memorialized in a national cemetery.
What are 3 things one should never do out of respect 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.
Are you supposed to burn the flag if it touches the ground?
Answer: Care should be exercised in the handling of the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. However, you are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground .
Why is a flag 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 to unfold a flag?
Fly it. Should a flag used for a military funeral be flown? ... The official flag code does not make mention of the issue ; some hold that once a flag is folded it should remain folded, while others have concluded that it is a noble and patriotic way to honor the life of the military service member.
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.
Can a civilian salute the flag?
Can Civilians Salute the Flag? Civilians should not salute the American Flag with a military salute . The military salute is considered a privilege earned by those who have served in the Armed Forces and is reserved for official protocols. Civilians should follow specific etiquette during the National Anthem.
What is the fireman’s motto?
The official slogan of the firemen in Fahrenheit 451 is: ”Monday burn Millay, Wednesday Whitman, Friday Faulkner, burn ’em to ashes, then burn the ...
What is a fireman’s last call?
Bell service (“Last Alarm” or “Last Call”)
The bell ringing recalls a time when the fire bell rang to call firefighters to an alarm and then, again, to signal that the alarm had ended.
What is the firefighter flag?
The thin red line flag was developed to show support and solidarity with fire service personnel and to honor injured or fallen firefighters. The thin blue line flag was created to show support for law enforcement.
