Why does VA provide a Burial Flag? A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or
accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who served honorably in the U. S.
Armed Forces. It is furnished to honor the memory of a veteran's military
service to his or her country. Eligibility for Former Members of Selected
Reserve were added by Section 517 of Public Law 105-261.
Who is eligible to receive the Burial Flag?
Generally, the flag is given to the
next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service. When
there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making
request for it. For those VA national Cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags,
families of veterans buried in these national cemeteries may donate the
burial flags of their loved ones to be flown on patriotic holidays.
How do I apply?
You may apply for the flag by completing
Can a Burial Flag be replaced? The law allows us to issue one flag for a veteran's funeral. We cannot
replace it if it is lost, destroyed, or stolen. However, some veterans'
organizations or other community groups may be able to help you get
another flag.
How
should the Burial Flag be displayed?
The proper way to display the flag depends upon whether the casket is
open or closed. VA Form 21-2008 provides the correct method for displaying
and folding the flag. The burial flag is not suitable for outside display
because of its size and fabric. It is made of cotton and can easily be
damaged by weather.
For More
Information Call Toll-Free at 1-800-827-1000
