Montevista | Burial Flag for Veterans: Meaning and How to Obtain
Burial Flag for Veterans: Meaning and How to Obtain
Every eligible veteran is entitled to receive an American flag to drape their casket or accompany their urn, presented to the family after military funeral honors. This burial flag serves as a lasting symbol of the nation’s gratitude for the veteran’s service. Understanding the flag’s significance, how to obtain it, and proper display honors the veteran and preserves this meaningful memorial.
This guide explains the burial flag benefit, eligibility, how to request a flag, the presentation ceremony, and how to display the flag after the funeral.
What Is the Veterans Burial Flag?
The Benefit
Every eligible veteran receives: – American flag (United States burial casket size) – Used to drape casket or accompany urn – Presented to family after funeral ceremony – Provided free by Department of Veterans Affairs
Size: 5 feet by 9.5 feet (burial casket flag size)
Quality: New, high-quality American flag
Purpose and Symbolism
The burial flag represents: – Nation’s gratitude for veteran’s service – Honor and respect for sacrifice – Symbol of the country veteran defended – Lasting memorial for family
Meaningful tribute that families cherish for generations
Who Is Eligible for a Burial Flag
Eligible Veterans
Receive burial flag: – Veterans who served in active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable – Service members who died on active duty – Reservists and National Guard members with qualifying service – Retired reservists
Key requirement: Discharge under conditions other than dishonorable
Documentation: DD-214 or discharge papers proving eligibility
Not Eligible
Cannot receive burial flag: – Those with dishonorable discharges – Civilian employees of military (unless also veterans) – Family members of veterans (flag is for veteran only)
How to Obtain a Burial Flag
Through Funeral Director (Easiest)
Most common method:
Step 1: Provide veteran’s DD-214 to funeral director
Step 2: Funeral director requests flag from VA
Step 3: Flag delivered to funeral home for service
Advantage: Funeral director handles all paperwork and logistics
From VA Office
Visit local VA regional office: – Bring veteran’s DD-214 or discharge papers – Show ID – Receive flag immediately
Find VA offices: www.va.gov/find-locations
From Post Office
Many U.S. Post Offices provide burial flags: – Bring DD-214 or proof of service – Post Office issues flag – Not all post offices participate—call ahead
From Veterans Service Organizations
Organizations like VFW or American Legion: – May provide or help obtain burial flags – Contact local chapter
Required Documentation
To receive flag, you need: – DD-214 or discharge papers – Death certificate (in some cases) – Applicant identification
Can’t find DD-214? Request from National Archives: eVetRecs.archives.gov or 1-866-272-6272
The Flag Presentation Ceremony
During Military Honors
Part of military funeral honors ceremony:
Flag drapes casket: – Placed before or during viewing – Blue field at head, over left shoulder – Stripes lengthwise along casket
Honor guard folds flag: – Performed after eulogy/service – Precise 13-fold ceremony – Each fold has symbolic meaning – Results in tri-corner shape
Presentation to family: – Honor guard member kneels before next of kin – Presents folded flag – Speaks formal words of gratitude
Presentation words: “On behalf of the President of the United States, [military branch], and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”
Deeply emotional moment for families
Who Receives the Flag
Family decides who receives the flag: – Usually surviving spouse – Or other designated family member – Or person closest to veteran
Honor guard will present to whoever family indicates
Multiple flags: Only one flag provided for burial ceremony
What to Do With the Flag After the Funeral
Display Options
Flag display case: – Triangle-shaped case for folded flag – Glass front – Wall-mounted or table display – Protects and honors flag
Where to display: – Home – Office – Memorial area
Display cases available: – Funeral homes – Military surplus stores – Online retailers – Veterans organizations
Cost: $30-$200+ depending on quality and materials
Proper Flag Care
Caring for burial flag: – Keep folded in tri-corner shape – Store in display case to protect – Keep out of direct sunlight (prevents fading) – Handle with respect
Do not: – Unfold and refold repeatedly (stresses fabric) – Use for decoration unrelated to veteran – Allow to touch ground
Unfolding and Refolding
Can you unfold the burial flag?
Yes, but consider carefully: – Refolding to military standard difficult – Each unfold/refold stresses fabric – Many families keep folded permanently
If you choose to unfold: – Learn proper folding technique – Use care to maintain flag condition – Consider professional refolding services
Burial Flag vs. Other Flags
The burial flag is special: – Provided by government for veteran – Presented during military honors – Distinct significance
Display prominently as memorial to veteran’s service
Replacing or Obtaining Additional Flags
Replacement Flags
VA does not provide replacement if original flag: – Lost – Damaged – Destroyed
One flag per veteran for burial ceremony
Obtaining Additional U.S. Flags
Families wanting additional flags: – Purchase from retailers – Request flag flown over U.S. Capitol (for fee) – Receive flag from Veterans Service Organization
These won’t be “burial flags” from VA but can be meaningful memorials
Flag Flown Over Capitol
Special request option: – Contact your congressional representative – Flag flown over U.S. Capitol in veteran’s honor – Certificate provided – Fee required (typically $25-50) – Takes several weeks
Meaningful additional memorial
Flag Folding Symbolism
The 13 Folds
Each fold carries symbolic meaning (traditional interpretation):
- Life
- Eternal life
- Honor and remembrance
- Weaker nature and trust in God
- Tribute to country
- Pledge of allegiance
- Tribute to Armed Forces
- Valley of the shadow of death
- Tribute to mothers
- Tribute to fathers
- Hebrew emblem of David and Solomon
- Christian emblem of eternity
- In God We Trust
Final tri-corner shape resembles colonial tri-corner hat
While not official military doctrine, these meanings are widely recognized
Proper Flag Retirement
When Flag Becomes Worn
If burial flag becomes seriously damaged: – Should be retired respectfully – Not thrown in trash
Proper retirement: – Contact American Legion or VFW – Many hold flag retirement ceremonies – Flags burned in dignified ceremony – Usually on Flag Day (June 14) or July 4th
Donate to retirement ceremony: – Veterans organizations collect worn flags – Conduct respectful retirement
Common Questions
How do I get a burial flag for my veteran? Through your funeral director (easiest), VA office, participating post office, or veterans organization. Bring DD-214.
How much does the burial flag cost? Nothing. The flag is provided free to all eligible veterans.
Who gets the flag after the funeral? Whoever the family designates, usually the surviving spouse.
Can I unfold and display the burial flag? Yes, though many families keep it folded. Refolding to military standard is difficult.
What size is the burial flag? 5 feet by 9.5 feet (burial casket flag size).
Can I get a replacement if the flag is lost? No, VA provides one flag per veteran for burial.
Is the flag only for casket funerals? No, flag provided for cremation as well—can be displayed at service and presented to family.
What do I do with the flag after many years? Display it respectfully, or when worn beyond repair, retire it through a veterans organization flag retirement ceremony.
Can family members keep the flag? Yes, the flag is given to the family to keep permanently.
Key Takeaways
Veterans burial flag honors service:
- Provided free to all eligible veterans
- Obtained through funeral director, VA office, post office, or veterans organization
- DD-214 required to prove eligibility
- Presented during military funeral honors ceremony
- Folded in tri-corner shape with 13-fold ceremony
- Given to family as lasting memorial
- Display in flag case to protect and honor
- One flag per veteran; no replacements provided
- Retire respectfully if damaged beyond repair
The burial flag represents the nation’s gratitude for the veteran’s service.
Veterans Burial Flag Assistance at Monte Vista Memorial Gardens
Monte Vista Memorial Gardens coordinates burial flag requests for veterans and assists families with understanding military honors including flag presentation ceremonies. We ensure every eligible veteran receives appropriate recognition.
Call 510-299-1174 to discuss veterans burial flag benefits and military honors.