When a veteran or reservist passes away, the VA will provide a United States flag to drape on a casket (or coffin) or place with an urn. This article will explain who is eligible for a burial flag from the VA and how to obtain one.
What is a burial flag?
The U.S. Internment Flag, or burial flag, is a 5 x 9.5-foot cotton United States flag with embroidered stars and sewn stripes, made in the United States. It is used during the burial ceremony, then folded into a triangle and given to one designated surviving spouse, child, or friend in honor of the military service of a deceased veteran or reservist. It can also be sent by mail and will arrive folded in a square. Each fold of the flag has a different meaning.
Who is eligible for a burial flag?
Burial flags are available for the surviving next of kin or a close friend of a veteran or reservist who meets one of the following requirements:
- They served in wartime, or
- They died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941, or
- They served after January 31, 1955, or
- They served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after serving at least 1 enlistment, or because of a disability that was caused—or made worse—by their active military service, or
- They served in the Selected Reserves (in certain cases), or served in the military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States and died on or after April 25, 1951.
How do you request a burial flag?
To get a burial flag, complete the Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes (VA Form 27-2008).
Then submit the completed application form to:
- A funeral director, · A VA regional office, or
- A United States post office, although you may want to call ahead to make sure your local post office has burial flags. If they don’t, they can direct you to a post office that does.
How do you take care of the burial flag?
The burial flag will be folded when it is presented to the survivor and typically comes with a glass case or cardboard box. To preserve these flags, don’t leave them outside for long periods of time, don’t add or attach symbols or other ornamentation to the flag, and don’t use the flag to hold or carry anything. If you do fly the burial flag outdoors, the Flag Code calls for displaying it only from sunrise to sunset.
If you wish to divest yourself of the flag, you can donate it to a national cemetery or to a Veterans Service Organization. The VA will not accept used flags and will not provide new flags if the original one is destroyed or lost.
Contact us to appeal now!
If you are the surviving spouse of a veteran, you may be entitled to VA benefits. Contact us to reach our advocates today, or call 1 (877) 777-4021 to take the next step in obtaining the VA benefits you deserve.
