How to Get Flags Presented at Funerals for the Military

By Julia Thomas

The presentation of a United States flag at a service member's or veteran's funeral is part of a ceremony called "military funeral honors." Arranging for military honors at a loved one's funeral is a fitting tribute to their service to their country. Military funeral honors includes a flag draped over the coffin, folding of the flag by service personnel, presentation of the flag to next-of-kin and the sounding of taps. Most active-duty or former service members who were honorably discharged are eligible for military funeral honors. It is not difficult to make arrangements for military funeral honors and they are provided free of charge.

Determine the deceased's eligibility. Check his or her files for a DD Form 214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. You can also request a copy from the National Archives and Records Administration.

Inform the funeral home director that you would like military honors at the funeral. Your funeral home director will make the necessary arrangements with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.

Obtain a burial flag. If the deceased died while on active duty, their service branch (Army, Navy, Marines or Air Force) will provide a flag. The Veteran's Administration (VA) provides a burial flag---at no cost---to drape the casket or accompany the urn of honorably-discharged veterans. The funeral director can help you obtain a flag or you can get a flag at any VA regional office or US Post Office.

Normally, the burial flag is presented to next-of-kin. When there is no next-of-kin, the flag will be presented to a friend.

Decide whether you will keep the burial flag or donate it to one of the VA's national cemeteries. Most VA national cemeteries display an Avenue of Flags on patriotic holidays with flags donated by the families of deceased veterans. Contact the cemetery of your choice for donation procedures.

Check with the Veterans Benefits Administration (vba.va.gov) to learn if you are eligible for a burial allowance. Burial allowances range from $150 to $2,000.

You can also apply for a Presidential Memorial Certificate, an engraved certificate signed by the current President of the United States. You can apply in person at any Veterans Administration regional office or download the form at "http://www.cem.va.gov/pmc.asp" and submit via fax or mail.

By law, the Veterans Administration may issue only one flag per funeral. Keep it in a safe place so it is not lost.

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