Who Gets the Flag at Military Funerals?
Contents
A Tradition of Respect and Honor
The presentation of the flag at a military funeral is a time-honored tradition that is deeply ingrained in American military culture. The flag is presented to the next of kin or a designated family member as a symbol of respect, gratitude, and recognition for the service member’s sacrifice. But have you ever wondered who is entitled to receive the flag?
Who is Entitled to Receive the Flag?
The United States military has a well-defined procedure for presenting the American flag to the next of kin or a designated family member at a military funeral. According to the Defense Funeral Reefs Act (Public Law 85-386, 72 Stat. 259, approved September 17, 1957):
• Next of Kin: The next of kin of the deceased service member, as defined by Army Regulation 600-8-22, is typically entitled to receive the American flag. This includes spouses, parents, children, and siblings.
• Other Eligible Family Members: In the absence of a next of kin, the following family members are entitled to receive the American flag:
- Brother and sister
- Father and mother
- Husband and wife (the spouse of the next of kin)
- Lineal ascendants and lineal descendants
• Designated Family Members: In some cases, the service member may designate someone other than their next of kin to receive the flag. This can include, but is not limited to, a friend or acquaintance who was close to the service member.
The Presentation of the Flag
The presentation of the American flag at a military funeral is a solemn and poignant moment. The flag is presented by a military personnel or a representative of a Veterans Service Organization, typically wearing a uniform or military insignia. The presenter folds the flag into the familiar triangular shape and hands it to the next of kin or designated family member with the following words:
"You are receiving the Flag as a symbol of a job well done, completed, and a mission now gone. You are giving respect to the fallen for his or her sacrifice to defend our nation. In closing, I would like to say that we hold their memory dear, will honor their sacrifice, and we will never forget. Our fallen hero will forever be remembered and honored in the hearts of their countrymen."
Historical Significance of the Flag Presentation
The presentation of the flag at a military funeral is steeped in tradition and historical significance. During the American Civil War, soldiers would often place their battle flags on the grave of their fallen comrades as a symbol of respect. After World War I, the tradition of presenting a small American flag to the family of a deceased soldier as a symbol of patriotism and gratitude became more widespread. Today, the flag presentation is an integral part of military funerals and serves as a reminder of the service member’s dedication and sacrifice.
Ceremonial Flaws and Misconceptions
While the presentation of the flag is a solemn and emotional experience, there are instances where the ceremony may go awry. Some of the most common flaws and misconceptions include:
- Incorrect Flag Presentation: Some military personnel may mistakenly fold the flag incorrectly, fold it too tightly, or present it to someone who is not entitled to receive it.
- Unqualified Presenters: Without proper training, individuals presenting the flag may fail to deliver the required message or may not be dressed appropriately.
- Uncertainty About Eligibility: There may be instances where the next of kin or a designated family member is uncertain about their eligibility to receive the flag.
To minimize these flaws and misconceptions, the military and Veterans Service Organizations have developed protocols and guidelines for conducting a dignified and respectful flag presentation ceremony.
In Conclusion
The presentation of the American flag at a military funeral is a deeply meaningful and emotional experience. It is a time to honor the service and sacrifice of the fallen and to provide comfort and respect to their loved ones. To ensure a respectful and meaningful ceremony, it is essential to understand who is entitled to receive the flag, as well as the ceremonial protocol and guidelines for conducting a dignified flag presentation. By following these protocols and guidelines, we can continue to honor the traditions and sacrifices of our brave service members, ensuring that they receive the respect and dignity they deserve.
Key Points:
• Next of Kin: Typically, the next of kin, as defined by Army Regulation 600-8-22, is entitled to receive the American flag at a military funeral.
• Designated Family Members: Service members can designate someone other than their next of kin to receive the flag, such as a friend or acquaintance.
• Other Eligible Family Members: In the absence of a next of kin, the following family members may be entitled to receive the flag: brother and sister, father and mother, husband and wife, and lineal ascendants and lineal descendants.
• Ceremonial Flaws: Common issues with the flag presentation include incorrect flag folding, unqualified presenters, and uncertainty about eligibility.
Additional Resources:
- United States Department of Defense (DOD) Directive 1334.1
- Army Regulation 600-8-22: Department of the Army Pregnancy and Parenthood Policy
- Defense Funeral Reefs Act (Public Law 85-386, 72 Stat. 259)
- Veterans Service Organizations: AMVETS, DAV, VFW, etc.
