Which child gets the flag at a military funeral?

Which Child Gets the Flag at a Military Funeral?

When a military service member passes away, their family is often left with many questions and uncertainties. One of the most poignant and meaningful ways to honor the deceased is through the presentation of the American flag at their funeral. But who gets the flag, and what is the significance of this ritual?

The History of the Flag Presentation

The tradition of presenting the American flag to the family of a fallen service member dates back to the Civil War. During this time, the flag was seen as a symbol of national unity and patriotism. As the war drew to a close, families of fallen soldiers would often receive a small flag or a piece of the flag that had flown over the battlefield as a token of respect.

Fast forward to the 20th century, and the flag presentation became a formalized ritual as part of the military funeral honors ceremony. The United States Code (36 U.S.C. § 849) requires that the American flag be presented to the next of kin of the deceased service member, in the order of precedence specified below.

Who Gets the Flag?

According to the Department of Defense’s (DoD) guidelines, the flag is presented to the next of kin, defined as:

• Surviving spouse
• Children (in order of age, with the oldest child receiving the flag first)
• Parent(s) (in order of age, with the oldest parent receiving the flag first)
• Siblings (in order of age, with the oldest sibling receiving the flag first)

Exceptions

There are some exceptions to this order of precedence. For example:

• Multiple spouses: If the deceased service member had multiple spouses, the flag is typically presented to the most recent spouse.
• No next of kin: If there is no next of kin, the flag is often presented to a close relative or a designated representative.
• Special circumstances: In some cases, the flag may be presented to someone other than the next of kin, such as a close friend or a designated representative, if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the deceased service member’s family.

The Flag Presentation Ceremony

The flag presentation ceremony is an emotional and dignified event that is usually conducted by a Honors Team, consisting of a bugler, a rifle team, and a flag bearer. The ceremony typically includes the following steps:

• Flag bearer: The flag bearer approaches the family and presents the flag to the next of kin, saying "On behalf of the President of the United States, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for the service and sacrifice of your loved one."
• Family acceptance: The next of kin accepts the flag, often with tears of gratitude and sadness.
• Final salute: The Honors Team renders a final salute, and the ceremony comes to a close.

Significance of the Flag Presentation

The flag presentation is a powerful symbol of respect, gratitude, and patriotism. For the family of the deceased service member, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by their loved one and the nation’s appreciation for their service.

Key Takeaways

• The American flag is presented to the next of kin of a fallen service member, in the order of precedence specified by the Department of Defense.
• The next of kin typically includes the surviving spouse, children, parents, and siblings.
• Exceptions to the order of precedence include multiple spouses, no next of kin, and special circumstances.
• The flag presentation ceremony is a dignified and emotional event conducted by a Honors Team.
• The flag serves as a symbol of respect, gratitude, and patriotism, reminding the family of the sacrifices made by their loved one.

Table: Order of Precedence for Flag Presentation

Bullets: Key Points

• The flag presentation ceremony is a formalized ritual as part of the military funeral honors ceremony.
• The American flag is presented to the next of kin, defined as the surviving spouse, children, parents, and siblings.
• The order of precedence for flag presentation is specified by the Department of Defense.
• Exceptions to the order of precedence include multiple spouses, no next of kin, and special circumstances.
• The flag presentation is a powerful symbol of respect, gratitude, and patriotism.