Who Gets the Flag When a Veteran Dies?
The question of who gets the flag when a veteran dies is an important one, especially for families and loved ones of those who have served in the military. In the United States, the Flag of the United States, also known as the American flag, is an iconic symbol of patriotism and sacrifice. When a veteran passes away, the question arises as to who should receive the flag as a final tribute to their service and sacrifice.
What Happens to the Flag?
When a veteran passes away, the funeral director typically notifies the military’s casualty assistance program or the Veterans Affairs (VA) office. The funeral director will then provide the military with the necessary information to determine the eligibility for the flag.
Who Is Eligible for the Flag?
According to the United States Code, the flag is authorized for presentation to the surviving spouse, parent, dependent parent, dependent child, spouse of a dependent child, or sibling of the deceased veteran. [1] This includes:
- Surviving spouse
- Parent (biological or adoptive)
- Dependent parent (e.g., a parent who relied on the veteran for support)
- Dependent child (e.g., a child who was a dependent of the veteran)
- Spouse of a dependent child (e.g., the spouse of a child who was a dependent of the veteran)
- Sibling (biological or adoptive)
Table: Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Surviving Spouse | Married to the deceased veteran at the time of death |
| Parent | Biological or adoptive parent of the deceased veteran |
| Dependent Parent | Parent who relied on the deceased veteran for support |
| Dependent Child | Child who was a dependent of the deceased veteran |
| Spouse of a Dependent Child | Spouse of a child who was a dependent of the deceased veteran |
| Sibling | Biological or adoptive sibling of the deceased veteran |
What to Do If You Are Eligible
If you are eligible to receive the flag, you should:
- Notify the funeral director: Inform the funeral director that you are the eligible recipient of the flag.
- Fill out the necessary paperwork: Complete the required forms to document your eligibility and receive the flag.
- Wait for the flag presentation: The military or VA will present the flag to you at the funeral service or a later time.
What If You Are Not Eligible?
If you are not eligible to receive the flag, it will typically be donated to a veteran organization, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or the American Legion. These organizations often have programs to receive and preserve flags, and may offer them to members or donate them to local schools and civic organizations.
Flag Folding Ceremony
When presenting the flag to the eligible recipient, the flag folding ceremony is a meaningful tradition that honors the veteran’s service and sacrifice. The ceremony typically involves:
- Folding the flag: The flag is folded into a triangular shape, symbolizing the triangular shape of the United States and the three branches of government.
- Presentation: The folded flag is presented to the eligible recipient, often with a few words of recognition and tribute to the veteran’s service.
Conclusion
Who gets the flag when a veteran dies is an important question, and understanding the eligibility criteria and process can help families and loved ones navigate this meaningful experience. By following the steps outlined above, eligible recipients can receive the flag as a final tribute to the veteran’s service and sacrifice.
References
[1] United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, § 1448Note: The information provided is general in nature and intended to provide a helpful overview of the flag presentation process. Eligibility and process may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the veteran’s death and the funeral director’s policies.
