A United States burial casket flag drapes the casket of deceased veterans and first responders to honor the memory of their service to the country. The ceremonial folding and presentation of the flag is a moving tribute of lasting importance to the veteran’s family. Burial or interment flags are 5 x 9 1/2 and are provided free of charge to the families of veterans at the time of burial. The Funeral Home will provide the flag upon verification of service-the DD form 214.
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.
After Taps is sounded, the flag is carefully folded into the symbolic tri-cornered shape. A properly proportioned flag will fold 13 times on the triangles, representing the 13 original colonies. The folded flag is emblematic of the tri-cornered hat worn by the Patriots of the American Revolution. When folded, no red or white except for the white of the stars is to be evident, leaving only the blue field with stars. Make every effort to have the blue field to the NOK’s left as they view the flag fold.
It is then presented as a keepsake to the next of kin or an appropriate family member.
When presenting the flag 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.
“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 service.”
You can download the protocol by CLICKING HERE
Here is a video by THE DRILL MASTER on folding the flag with two persons
Many thanks to THE DRILLMASTER for his input. Visit his FB page at www.facebook.com/DrillMasterTraining/
