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Which family member gets the flag at a military funeral?

Which Family Member Gets the Flag at a Military Funeral?

When a service member passes away, their family is left to grieve and make arrangements for their final farewell. One of the most meaningful and symbolic elements of a military funeral is the presentation of the United States flag to the next of kin. But have you ever wondered which family member gets the flag at a military funeral?

The Tradition of the Flag Presentation

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The tradition of presenting the American flag to the family of a deceased service member dates back to the Civil War. It is a symbol of respect, gratitude, and condolences from the nation to the family. The flag is typically presented to the family by a representative of the military branch or a dignitary, such as a chaplain or a commander.

Who Gets the Flag?

The United States Department of Defense has established a clear protocol for presenting the flag to the next of kin. The flag is typically presented to the Primary Next of Kin (PNK), which is defined as the:

Spouse
Parent
Child
Sibling
Grandparent
Grandchild

Table: Primary Next of Kin (PNK)

RelationshipDescription
SpouseThe service member’s spouse is considered the primary next of kin.
ParentThe service member’s parent(s) are considered the primary next of kin if the spouse is not available.
ChildThe service member’s child(ren) are considered the primary next of kin if the spouse and parents are not available.
SiblingThe service member’s sibling(s) are considered the primary next of kin if the spouse, parents, and children are not available.
GrandparentThe service member’s grandparent(s) are considered the primary next of kin if the spouse, parents, children, and siblings are not available.
GrandchildThe service member’s grandchild(ren) are considered the primary next of kin if the spouse, parents, children, siblings, and grandparents are not available.

What If There is No Primary Next of Kin?

If there is no primary next of kin, the flag may be presented to Alternate Next of Kin (ANK), which includes:

Aunt
Uncle
Niece
Nephew
First Cousin

Who Can Request the Flag?

In some cases, a family member may request the flag even if they are not the primary next of kin. This is typically done through a written request to the military branch or a representative of the National Cemetery Administration.

Preserving the Tradition

The tradition of presenting the flag to the next of kin is an important part of military funeral protocol. It is a symbol of respect and gratitude from the nation to the family of a fallen service member. Whether you are the primary next of kin or an alternate, receiving the flag is a meaningful way to honor the service and sacrifice of your loved one.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the primary next of kin typically receives the flag at a military funeral. The flag is a symbol of respect, gratitude, and condolences from the nation to the family of a fallen service member. Whether you are the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild, receiving the flag is a meaningful way to honor the service and sacrifice of your loved one.

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