American Flag Etiquette
For
almost one hundred years the American flag has been the
central focus of military honors funerals. All who serve
and have served to protect our nation in war and peace are
entitled to a full military honors funeral in which American
flag etiquette is faithfully followed to the letter. Following
flag etiquette is a mark of respect - an acknowledgment
of the sacrifices made by those who serve to protect us
all.
Flag Etiquette at the Funeral
Regardless
of whether cremation or burial is chosen, flag etiquette
allows the family of the deceased to request that the American
flag be draped over the casket. American flag etiquette
dictates that the flag must be placed over the casket with
the union at the head of the casket and over its left shoulder.
Flag etiquette also directs that the American flag should
never touch the ground on either side.
At
the conclusion of the funeral service it is normal flag
etiquette for the American flag to be removed from the casket
as part of the military honors ceremony. Designated military
personnel follow flag etiquette, folding the American flag
and presenting it to the next of kin before the casket is
cremated or lowered into the grave. Flag etiquette demands
that the American flag must never be lowered into the grave
with a casket.
Flag Etiquette After the Funeral
In
time it is customary for the bereaved to use the burial
flag as a memorial to the deceased. Flag etiquette decrees
that the bereaved store and display the flag as appropriate
for memorialization. No specific law disallows the use of
burial flags to be used in non-memorial displays, but flag
etiquette calls for the bereaved to refrain from using a
burial flag for any other purpose.
Click
here to view our American Flag Display Cases
Additional
Links For Flag Etiquette
Annin
& Co.-Flag Etiquette
- from United States Code, describes patriotic customs regarding
the Stars and Stripes.
CTSSAR:
Flag Etiquette - offers the pledge to the flag, respect,
and display instructions.
Displaying
the Colors - brief overview of how to hang or display
the American flag.
Everyday
Flag Etiquette - provides general display tips, in auditoriums,
churches, and half-staff.
Flag
Day: Flag Etiquette - provides position and manner of
display, important dates, and more.
Flag
Etiquette and Holidays - lists when and how flags are
to be hung, as well as important days to show the red, white,
and blue.
Flag
Rules and Regulations - describes how to fold the flag,
display it, laws and regulations, and more.
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