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Why
does VA provide a Burial Flag?
A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or
accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who served honorably in the U. S. Armed
Forces. It is furnished to honor
the memory of a veteran's military service to his or her country.
Eligibility for Former Members of Selected Reserve were added by Section
571 of Public Law 105-261.
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.
For those VA national Cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags, families of
veterans buried in these national cemeteries may donate the burial flags of
their loved ones to be flown on patriotic holidays. How
do I apply? Contact
your local County Veterans Service Office. Can a Burial Flag be
replaced? The
law allows us to issue one flag for a veteran's funeral.
We cannot replace it if it is lost, destroyed, or stolen.
However, some veterans' organizations or other community groups may be
able to help you get another flag.
How
should the Burial Flag be displayed?
The
proper way to display the flag depends upon whether the casket is open or
closed. VA Form 2008 provides the
correct method for displaying and folding the flag. The burial flag is not suitable for outside display because
of its size and fabric. It is made
of cotton and can easily be damaged by weather.
To apply for or obtain more information about benefits, contact your local CVSO.
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