When one of our military services members passes away, we want to honor them for all the heroic efforts they made. This is why the Flag Code was created and outlines how to honor our Veterans when they pass. Below are a few rules and common questions when it comes to funeral flags.
Draping the Flag
- Closed casket: when the casket is completely closed, the union (blue field) is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. This is said symbolize the flag embracing the deceased who in life served the flag.
- Half couch (open): a flag used to drape a half couch casket should be placed three layers to cover the closed portion of the casket so that the blue field of the flag will be the top fold, and will be next to the open part of the casket.
- Full couch (open): when the flag is being used to drape a full couch casket, it should be folded into a triangular shape and placed in the center of the head panel, just above the left shoulder of the deceased.
During a funeral ceremony for a military veteran, the flag that was used to drape the casket will be held waist high above the grave by the pallbearers, and will be folded immediately following the playing of “Taps.” After the flag is folded, it will be presented to the family of the fallen soldier.
Funeral Honors
Funeral Honors are described as, “the ceremonial paying of respect and the final demonstration of the country’s gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our nation. Members of the funeral honors detail fold and present the American flag to the veteran’s survivor and ‘Taps’ is sounded,” according to the Department of Defense Military Funeral Support. When the flag is presented to the next of kin the following language will be used as well, “On behalf of the President of the United States, (the United States Army; the United States Marine Corps; the United States Navy; or the United States Air Force), and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”
Special thanks to Kerkstra's Cleaners in Burr Ridge. They are kind enough to beautifully press all the American Flags we present to our deceased Veterans. If you’ve lost a loved one that served our country, and aren’t sure how to proceed with the funeral, the experts at Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services can take care of the details. If you’d like to learn more about Military Funeral Honors, please visit the FAQ page here.
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