Who inherits a military flag?

The military flag is given to the deceased’s next of kin. The next of kin is determined by who is most closely related to the veteran. Receiving the flag is an honor and families usually display it in the home. Some families choose to donate their flags for veteran events.

Who should receive the flag at a military funeral?

Who is presented with the military burial 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.

Who puts flags on graves?

At Arlington National Ceremony, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment places American Flags at the gravesites of fallen service members just before Memorial Day. It’s a tradition known as “Flags In,” and it’s taken place every year since the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment was designated as the official “ceremonial unit” in 1948.

Who gets military honors at a funeral?

Any person (Active, National Guard, or Reserve) who has completed at least one enlistment or other obligated military service and received an honorable discharge is eligible for Military Funeral Honors.

Who do you notify when a veteran dies?

the Department of Defense
3. Notify the Department of Defense. Call the Department of Defense at 800-538-9552 or 800-321-1080 to report the death of your loved one. You will need your loved one’s date of death when you talk with the military representative over the phone.

What size is the flag at a military funeral?

It is the traditional U.S. casket flag size of 5 x 9 ½’ that is presented by the VA to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and families of deceased veterans and is draped over the casket during Military Burial services.

Who receives the military burial flag when someone dies?

This hierarchy is used to determine who receives the military flag if the next of kin is deceased. If none of the above relatives exist, then any relative or close friend can receive the flag. Receiving a military burial flag is how the country gives thanks for those who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms.

What happens at a funeral service for a veteran?

Military Funeral Flag Speeches It is common for the flag presentation to be a part of the funeral service. Each veteran has the option to have at least two military members conduct funeral honors. This honoring ceremony includes both the flag presentation and the playing of “Taps.”

What is the line of succession for a burial flag?

Many people wonder what the line of succession is when the person who now owns the burial flag passes away. When a flag is presented to the next of kin in a military funeral ceremony, it is theirs to keep for life. They may give it away or bequeath it to any person they wish. There are no special ownership laws when it comes to funeral flags.

What happens during a military burial ceremony?

During the ceremony, military officers drape the flag over the casket or urn of anyone who qualifies. To check if you or a family member qualifies for a burial flag, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs directly. You can apply for a burial flag with the VA Form 27-2008. This is available on the VA website.