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.
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.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. It will then be given to the deceased's next of kin, friend or specified associate, according to the Maine Military Funerals Honor Program.
Out of respect for the U.S. flag, never: dip it for any person or thing, even though state flags, regimental colors and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor. display it with the union down, except as a signal of distress.
Attending officers drape a flag over the casket. At a certain point in the ceremony, this flag is folded and presented to family members. It's usually given to the deceased's next of kin.
Flag Etiquette and Regulations
When you drape a casket with the United States flag, set flowers apart on display stands. Fold the flag, and nestle it above the head of the departed military member or spouse; leave flowers out of the open casket lid.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.
As naval customs evolved, 21 guns came to be reserved for United States presidents and ex-presidents, the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation and members of a reigning royal family. The number of guns decrease with the rank of the recipient of the honor.
How do I get a burial flag to honor a Veteran or Reservist?
- A funeral director, or.
- A VA regional office, or.
- A United States post office. Call ahead to make sure your local post office has burial flags. If they don't, they can direct you to one that does.
Our U.S. Cotton Veterans Burial/Casket Flags are made to government specifications with embroidered stars, sewn stripes, brass grommets, and white headers. This size flag is also known as a Veterans Burial Flag, Memorial Flag, or American interment Flag.
The flag presentation protocol is as follows:
- Stand facing the flag recipient and hold the folded flag waist high with the straight edge facing the recipient.
- Lean toward the flag recipient and solemnly present the flag to the recipient.
The usual size of a flag used at home is 3'x5'. A casket flag is 9-1/2'x5'.
U.S. Flag, measuring 3 feet by 5 feet, cotton outdoor. 4. Retired Army pin, formerly known as the "U.S. Army Retired Lapel Button."
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If possible, choose to fly your flag in a clean environment. When your flag becomes dirty, wash it in warm water with a mild detergent, making sure to rinse it thoroughly—leaving no residue behind that can cause discoloration. Do not store your flag until it is completely dry.
Service veterans, irrespective of previous rank, have no entitlement to a military funeral, and can have any flag to dress the coffin including the Royal Navy's White Ensign and the Royal Air Force Ensign if that reflects the wishes of the deceased and/or the next of kin.
On Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only. Then, it should be “raised briskly†to the top of the staff until sunset, according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
