What does an untucked flag on a casket mean?

The Legion said flags draped over coffins honor the memory of members of the U.S. military. It said most veterans and active-service members qualify for flag-draped coffins at their funerals.


Should a casket flag be flown?

Actually, the choice is yours. The official flag code does not say either way if the flag can be flown once it has been folded. Because this burial flag holds such significance to the surviving family and friends some want to fly the flag as a noble and patriotic way to honor the life of their loved one.

Which way does a flag go on a casket?

How do you drape the flag on a casket? Closed Casket: When the flag is used to drape a closed casket, it should be so placed that the union (blue field) is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. It may be said that the flag is embracing the deceased who in life has served the flag.


What does a flag draped coffin mean?

A United States burial casket flag drapes the casket of deceased veterans 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.

What do you do with a flag on a coffin?

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.


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Is it disrespectful to unfold a burial flag?

Although some people feel that a flag used to drape a casket should not be unfolded after it has been folded at graveside, it is actually proper—if desired—to unfold and then display a burial flag. It is entirely up to the next of kin who received the flag at the burial.

What to do with folded flag after funeral?

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 they cover face before closing casket?

Over time, coffins underground will decompose and eventually collapse. Covering the face before closing the casket adds an extra layer of protection and dignity for the deceased's face and can act as a symbolic final goodbye.


What is the difference between a burial flag and a regular flag?

Anyone who was patriotic, even if they didn't serve in the military, can be granted the same honor as the military. Burial flags are used by anyone who requests one. The only key difference is that funeral flags are provided for free by one's branch of service and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Is the flag is allowed to remain inside the coffin for the burial?

The National Flag shall not be lowered to the grave or allowed to touch the ground, but shall be folded solemnly and handed over to the heirs of the deceased or next of kin.

How do you know if a casket is open or closed?

The condition of the body- Depending on how your loved one died, the body may not be in a condition that is appropriate for a public viewing. You may also want to consider a closed casket if the deceased was very sick and had lost a great deal of weight before they died.


Why is a casket 6 feet under?

The six feet under rule for burial may have come from a plague in London in 1665. The Lord Mayor of London ordered all the “graves shall be at least six-foot deep.” The order never said why six feet. Maybe deep enough to keep animals from digging up corpses.

Why does a casket have to be buried 6 feet under?

Burying a body 6 feet deep may have been a way to stop animals from smelling the decomposing bodies. A body buried 6 feet deep would also be safe from accidental disturbances like plowing.

Can you put flowers on top of a flag on a casket?

Flag Etiquette and Regulations

Do not set flowers on or above the flag at a military funeral service. 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.


Does the oldest son get the flag at a military funeral?

If the next of kin designated is not available to receive the flag: The military will consider the following order of succession for receiving the burial flag to determine the flag recipient: Spouse. Children, oldest first.

Why is the head always to the left in a casket?

The head is commonly turned to the left in a casket to ensure the body looks more comfortable and peaceful, while also allowing mourners a better view of the deceased's face. Occasionally, the head is also turned to the left for reasons related to Christian traditionalism.

Who gets American flag over a coffin?

American flags have been draped over military veterans' coffins since the Napoleonic Wars in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The custom is rich with tradition and requires a certain protocol.


What are 3 things you should never do out of respect to the flag?

Other Things Not to Do with the Flag

let the flag touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water, merchandise. carry it horizontally, but always aloft. fasten or display it in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled. place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of any kind.

Can you wash a burial flag?

Not only is it okay to wash the flag, it's considered respectful to keep it clean and in good repair—and not just the Stars and Stripes, but state flags, team flags, and flags representing organizations, too.

Why don't they show the legs at a funeral?

It is always easier to light up the upper half of the body and present the face under the best light. By covering the legs, funeral directors save time by spending lesser time lighting the lower portion of the body.


Why do caskets have pillows?

A rather large overstuffed pillow is included in the interior package of a finished casket. This pillow helps to hold the decedent in an inclined position. This position helps present a naturally comforting presentation to the survivors.

How do morticians close mouths?

The mouth can be closed by suture or by using a device that involves placing two small tacks (one anchored in the mandible and the other in the maxilla) in the jaw. The tacks have wires that are then twisted together to hold the mouth closed. This is almost always done because, when relaxed, the mouth stays open.

How many folds in a flag on a casket?

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 played, 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.


How do you wear a flag over an open casket?

Question: How is the flag to be displayed on a fully open or half open casket? Answer: When a casket is fully open (full couch), common sense suggests that the flag be folded in the traditional triangular method, placed in the casket cap above the left shoulder of the deceased.

How many times is the American flag folded at a funeral?

The flag is folded exactly 13 times in remembrance of the original 13 colonies. But did you know there is a specific meaning to each fold? Here is what each fold of the flag means: The first fold symbolizes life.