Burial Flags

USMCGrunt

USMCGrunt

10-Year Member
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Dec 13, 2010
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I have a question for our Forum members...

By virtue of my military service, I have become the recipient of multiple burial flags from near/distant family members as widows downsize, pass away, etc. Several are in the nice display cases. Presenting the flag to a living spouse or family member is a powerful and poignant moment in a burial ceremony but as time goes on family members become less attached to the symbolism.

My question: Does anyone have experience with donating these flags to VFW, Scouts, etc? I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks, in advance.
 
VFW is great for flag retirement
Some scout units collect for flag retirement
A scout set up multiple flag collection bins in our area at Fire Stations for his Eagle project... follow-up and recovery has been lacking at times, but it is a nice service.

A recent Sea Scout Quatermaster Project conducted a mass retirement of more than 2000 flags (they were hoping for 50).
 
Thanks @shiner.

I knew about flag retirements and your suggestions confirm it. But was also wondering about donations for use if anyone has any ideas.
 
One challenge is the dimensional size of a burial flag a 5'x9.5'. Use by a Rotary or Scout group doing a rent-a-flag fundraiser would not be practical. It likely comes down to how you would like to see them used. A burial flag is highly sentimental and daily use just seems like the wrong application for it unless I could connect it back to an organization that was meaningful to the recipient. For instance, a church that the recipient was a member to. The connection would then seem fitting in some way to have it fly as an ongoing symbol of their affiliation.

Not an easy challenge to solve and I hope others have some creative suggestions.
 
@shiner - thank you, once again. That is exactly the emotional and rational conflicts I am facing. In addition, the dimensional size presents a conflict. I will continue to reflect on this and welcome any comments or suggestions from others.

These flags are for deceased family members - some in my direct lineage but some are pretty distant. It feels wrong to stockpile them in my house in a closet (out of sight and mind). I want to be respectful and do the right thing. Retirement may be the best way to handle but want to make sure I look at this from all sides.
 
Talk with VFW and AL local chapters. Perhaps a veteran member would like one of these for home or flying, and would understand the “weight” of it, take custody of one with respect, and let it live a few more honorable years.
 
An update. Moments ago, I found this posting on the Veteran Affairs website which sounds pretty cool.

www.cem.va.gov

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
www.cem.va.gov www.cem.va.gov

Donating Burial Flags in National Cemeteries
Most of the Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries display an Avenue of Flags on patriotic holidays and during special events. The Avenues consist of burial flags donated by the families of deceased Veterans and provide a unique visible tribute to all of our Nation's Veterans.

A Certificate of Appreciation is presented to the donor for providing their loved ones' burial flag to a national cemetery.
 
USMCGrunt said:
An update. Moments ago, I found this posting on the Veteran Affairs website which sounds pretty cool.

www.cem.va.gov

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
www.cem.va.gov www.cem.va.gov

Donating Burial Flags in National Cemeteries
Most of the Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries display an Avenue of Flags on patriotic holidays and during special events. The Avenues consist of burial flags donated by the families of deceased Veterans and provide a unique visible tribute to all of our Nation's Veterans.

A Certificate of Appreciation is presented to the donor for providing their loved ones' burial flag to a national cemetery.
Click to expand...
Brilliant.
 
Whenever I retire flags by burning by the Boy Scouts, we cut the stripes out one at a time and the union last. When they go in the fire, they are just strips of cloth and not the flag. There is a ceremony for that, and each piece gets a sentence said about it as it is separated from the flag. I also put a wire through the grommets before they go in the fire, so I can find them the next morning. The grommets are usually given to someone who had some history with the flag, or as a symbol/keepsake for their duty during the ceremony the night before.
 
I guess it's important to note that there is nothing in the U.S. Code about cutting up the flag before you retire it by burning.
It's a Boy Scout thing.
 
I have the opposite problem... I arranged for the military honors for my dad, and even designed the case. And now my brother has possession of it because he is the oldest...

I think we all agree that these are special flags. I truly hope that any American Legion or VFW would be happy to install a shelf to display these flags. Even Town Halls should be proud to display burial flags of their decseased veteran citizens. Shelves cost next to nothing. Display cases can be very inexpensive, especially at a craft store, such as Michael's. Deceased veterans deserved to be remembered.
 
Why not re-use them by donating to a local National cemetery or to the local VA office that has responsibility. In many locations a local post office is the repository for flags for funerals. Find out which PO in your location and ask if they will accept them for re-issue.
 
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