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Who gets the flag in a military funeral?

Who Gets the Flag in a Military Funeral?

When a military service member or veteran passes away, their funeral is a solemn and meaningful ceremony that honors their sacrifice and service to the nation. One of the most iconic and emotional moments during a military funeral is the presentation of the flag to the next of kin, also known as the Flag Folding Ceremony. But have you ever wondered who gets the flag?

The Origins of the Flag Folding Ceremony

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The flag folding ceremony has its roots in World War I, when the U.S. Navy began the tradition of presenting the flag to the next of kin as a symbol of respect and honor for the deceased service member. The ceremony was formalized in 1942 by the U.S. Navy, and since then, it has been an integral part of military funerals across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Who Gets the Flag?

The United States Flag Code specifies that the flag shall be presented to the primary next of kin (PNK) or the designated representative of the deceased service member. The primary next of kin is typically defined as:

Spouse
Child (biological or adopted)
Parent
Sibling (biological or adopted)

If the primary next of kin is not present or unable to accept the flag, the designated representative can be:

Family member
Friend
Authorized military representative

Exceptions

There are some exceptions to the rule:

Multiple surviving spouses: If there are multiple surviving spouses, the flag may be presented to the one who was married to the deceased service member at the time of their death.
Adopted children: If the deceased service member had adopted children, they may also be eligible to receive the flag.

The Flag Folding Ceremony

The flag folding ceremony is a symbolic representation of the service member’s life, with each fold representing a different aspect of their service and sacrifice. The ceremony typically involves:

  1. The Presentation: The flag is presented to the next of kin by an honor guard or military officer.
  2. The Folding: The flag is folded into a triangle, symbolizing the service member’s eternal rest.
  3. The Tribute: The honor guard or military officer may recite a tribute or offer words of condolence to the next of kin.

Key Takeaways

  • The flag is presented to the primary next of kin or designated representative of the deceased service member.
  • The primary next of kin includes spouse, child, parent, or sibling.
  • Designated representatives may include family members, friends, or authorized military representatives.
  • Exceptions include multiple surviving spouses and adopted children.

Conclusion

The flag folding ceremony is a powerful and emotional moment in a military funeral, honoring the service and sacrifice of the deceased service member. As we reflect on this meaningful tradition, we are reminded of the importance of honoring our fallen heroes and respecting the sacrifices they made for our nation. By understanding who gets the flag and the significance of the flag folding ceremony, we can better appreciate the dignity and respect that is owed to our service members and their families.

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