Casket: a rectangular-shaped box in which the dead are buried.
Coffin: a six-sided box for the same purpose. The ends taper inward toward the head and feet. Not widely used in America, used extensively in Europe and other countries.
Interment: the burial of a corpse in a grave or tomb, typically with funeral rites.
Internment: the imprisonment or confinement of people, commonly in large groups, without trial (FEMA Camps).
See also Rendering Honors, The Briefing for Funeral Directors and Honor Guard Members.
This is what the American flag is called that is draped over a casket. It is a cotton flag that is 5 feet by 9 1/2 feet with embroidered stars. There are certain companies that make these flags and each company has slight variations to their flags. If you speak with someone who has been a pallbearer for a while he/she just might be able to tell you about these slight variations and where the first fold into the canton lands, etc.
Per the Flag Code, the interment flag is only draped on a casket or transfer case. It should never be placed on a shipping container (used for transporting a casket in the cargo area of an aircraft).
There is a synthetic version of the interment flag and it is only for attaching to a halyard to fly. It’s called the all-weather flag. It’s not for placing on a casket since it does not fold well and will not stay on the casket without help.
There are only six companies authorized to manufacture government specification, large star, internment flags. These flags are procured from the Post Office by funeral directors for the deceased with a valid DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and death certificate. These large star interment flags are for military veterans, elected officials, and federal law enforcement officers who serve in the Department of Homeland Security and others. All other flag companies that are not authorized to manufacture the large-star interment flag may only manufacture the small star or Civilian Internment Flag (the term coined by a friend and ceremonial colleague of mine) offered for general sale and use. The large star interment flag should not be for sale to the public.
All American citizens are authorized the small star (bull) flag on their casket. As mentioned above, the large star flag is for military veterans, etc.
Nationally elected officials receive the American flag, with state and local officials also authorized their respective Indian Nation, state, territory, county, and city flags to replace the national if the deceased/next of kin so desires. First responders could also opt for their local flag or their respective Thin Line novelty flag.
Note: Never place two or more flags or a flag and flowers on a casket (unless the flag is folded). That is inappropriate.
Absolutely! Military retirees/veterans obtain their flags from the funeral home/Post Office and first responders flags are provided through their department. First responders are authorized the small star flag unless they fill the requirements of the large star flag.
Any first responder or member of the military can receive a flag on their casket regardless of how they passed. As long as they served honorably, nothing prevents this at all. Please don’t let the stigma of a suicide deter you from honoring the deceased and supporting the next of kin. Suicide is not dishonorable, it is the result of terrible internal turmoil. To judge someone as less than worthy of receiving funeral honors just because they killed their self, is inappropriate.
Yes. Canine’s serve their country in the military and law enforcement and in other capacities and are considered a member of the military or law enforcement agency. Please don’t place the flag on the animal.
The canton (blue field) lays over the left shoulder of the deceased. The flag is centered end-to-end and side-to-side on a fully closed casket. See Flag Orientation on the Casket.
See this article, The Draped and Dressed Casket, that explains how pallbearers (Body Bearers, Casket Bearers) dress the flag for carrying and placement. Note: there are no hard and fast rules about these techniques. Carrying the casket with the flag draped or dressed is up to the team. No such thing as “never” or “always” here except, never let the flag get under the casket when placing it.
The fully couched (open) casket requires the properly folded flag to be placed in the casket at the deceased’s left shoulder.
The upper half of the flag (the
half with the canton) is arranged in three layers of even folds and the bottom half of the flag covers the closed half of the casket. Align the three folds with the edge of the closed half of the casket with the blue field as the top layers. Fold the header (white band) under the flag to display only the blue field and stripes. It is best to set up the casket with the flag in this manner before the ceremony. During the ceremony the casket can be closed and two pall bearers or the funeral director can then arrange the flag so that it then covers the whole casket.
Yes. Some state, city, and county elected officials and first responders who serve their state desire to have their state’s flag, which is just fine. The flag should be displayed so that it faces the same direction as if it were the American flag. Note: salutes are rendered for the flag, not the deceased.
The head of the casket faces to the family’s left. That puts the canton away from the family. If the flag were to be picked up and displayed toward the family, it would display correctly from the family’s viewpoint with the canton in the upper left.
If there is not room for the casket to display sideways, the foot end of the casket faces away from the family with the canton to the left of and facing the family.
The chaplain travels head-first into and out of the chapel as if leading his people. A chaplain’s feet face toward his congregation when in the chapel as if addressing his people. The chaplain travels feet-first every other time.
Yes, but only one is folded at the service. While one flag is provided by the military service/public service agency others can be purchased for the family by the family, department, etc. It is standard that the flag that is draped over the casket is folded and presented and that all other flags are pre-folded and presented after the first flag. Only one flag is authorized to be folded during a military funeral service.
Yes, of course. There is nothing wrong with that. That’s why it has grommets on the header (white band). Tradition holds that once the flag is folded over the grave that the family then holds onto it as a memento. However, there is nothing wrong with honoring the deceased and flying that flag.
A large elastic band that goes around the casket to hold the flag in place during transport on a caisson it is not needed at any other time. Click here for a very good product. The casket band is for traveling (so that wind does not blow the flag off and should be removed when the casket lies in state if at all possible. The flag pictured is not dressed and the band is too high.
A properly folded flag is displayed and carried on the right of the urn. Please don’t lean the flag against the urn.
Pallbearers carry the folded flag into the funeral service and place it as show here. At the appointed time, the pallbearers rise, retrieve the flag, touch the flag to the urn, unfold it in front of the Next of Kin (NOK), refold it, and present it to the primary NOK.
Pallbearers remove the flag, the pall (a very significant large ceremonial white cloth with sometimes with a simple or ornate design, mainly used by Roman Catholics) is placed and the service takes place. After the service, the procedure is reversed. See The Honor Guard Manual for full details. Here is an example.
By two pall bearers: one at the foot of the casket to only guide, which actually leads when transported, and one at the head of the casket to push (where the canton is- the head of the deceased). Both pallbearers keep their hands on the casket the whole time.
Feet-first at all times except in two instances:
I was asked, did the research, and here’s what I found. You will never see a wrinkled flag on a veteran’s casket, so why did Pres. Bush 41, Sen. McCain, and Rep. Lewis have bad looking flags? The theory states that those draped in this less-than-desirable manner acted inappropriately in their duties to the country. We can argue the point well that some in government are absolute traitors, but there is no signal to indicate that.
As I searched for images of flag draped caskets, I found that veteran funerals have good-looking flags, but many state funerals have had caskets draped with partially wrinkled flags and here is why:
Veteran Funeral. (As an example) The casket is draped at the funeral home, (possibly transported to the chapel,) and then transported via coach (hearse) to the grave site, folded and presented to the NOK. Very little handling here.
State Funeral. (Again, as an example):
As you can see from the two examples above, there is a huge difference between what happens for a state funeral. There are very good reasons for the wrinkles and creases- the body bearers must constantly reach under the flag to grasp the casket handles and a casket band is most likely used each time the casket is loaded into a coach or aircraft. A casket band was used on 41’s casket when it was transported by train across Texas and Rep Lewis’ flag had a casket band for several carries and for the horse drawn carriage over the bridge in Alabama. The band is removes each time the casket lies in state and the body bearers dress the flag as best they can each time the casket is placed.
If you notice, only the sides and the ends are wrinkled, not the top. That is a good indication that it’s the constant handling by the body bearers of the casket to transport it to so many different places is the reason behind the wrinkles and creases .Constant movement of the flag-draped casket is going to increase the wrinkles in the flag. The pallbearers make every effort to dress the flag after the casket is placed.
The Wrinkled Flag Theory is a MYTH.
The small stars of Pres. GHW Bush’s flag are of interest since he served in the Navy. That was most likely an oversight by a funeral director’s inattention to detail.
A transfer case is an aluminum rectangle-shaped box that has the lid on the bottom and handles on all four sides. When a service member dies while overseas, the remains are brought back to the USA via the case that is packed with ice.
Recovered partial remains are lighter since it’s just bones and possibly uniform material. A recovered body would obviously be much heavier. This accounts for the difference in number of the Carry Teams (4 and 6) in each of these pictures.
International Association of Fire Fighters Funeral Protocol for Line-of-Duty Deaths.
National Volunteer Fire Council Funeral Procedures for Firefighters: A Resource Manual.
I speak with law enforcement officers and firefighters around the country on all matters of…
Commanders for Parade Staff, Flag Detail, and Color Guard, do not come to Attention (from…
In this clip from the 1962 TV show "I've Got a Secret", Jonathan Winters marches…
What a great day! Too bad other schools don't join in on the learning! Atlantic…
Recently, I received a question that deserves to be an article. This happens constantly and…
Pearls are expensive and fairly rare. That's why cultured pearls came about. A pearl is…
This website uses cookies.
View Comments
This is the information I have been searching for. The wife and I are now watching Walker Texas Ranger re-runs. There was an episode I first thought was in grave error. A Texas State Trooper is ambushed and laid to rest. But the State Trooper Honor Guard, handed the widow an American flag. I assumed incorrectly that State Law enforcement could only be buried with a State flag, not a Federal one. Then I thought that he might have had previous Military Service. But then thought if that was the case, the American flag, would still be presented by his/her Branch of Service not a Policeman. Now I now that it would have been possible and the production crew was not mistaken. I will do a re-watch and look for star size. Thanks again. I am grateful. signed Brother of two Navy Veterans..
Mr. Mc Hugh,
I'm glad you found it helpful!
DM
Sir,
I have “found ” an imternment flag of an Amazing Person. (I have No idea of “who” this said “Amazing Person” is.) The Flag was found in a dumpster. (No idea of how or why it traveled to a dumpster)
I would most graciously like to know is that if, I, not knowing this person, could it be raised out of respect for the original owner/vetran and “other Americans”, by me? ….if Not, what do you suggest I should do with the Flag?
Mr. Ledignton,
Yes, of course an interment flag can be flown and you don't even need a reason.
DM
Sir,
Is it ever appropriate to frame a casket flag? I have my grandfather’s from WW I and would like to frame it as a gift to my son. But only if that is proper!
Thank you!
Ms. Fiske,
Yes, indeed it is appropriate! Flags with special or historic significance can and should be framed for display.
DM
I have a question. I had purchased a flag at a yard sales years ago. After 2 years I opened it to fly on July 4th. I noticed writing of a name and rank of a sailor. Digging online I found much info about service and years of service. But my question is,,, is it protocol to put the names of the veteran on the header.? Reason I asked is, My girlfriend passed away on June 3rd of this year. She was in the National Gaurd back in the 70's. Not opening the flag was curious if her Name is on her flag.
Sir,
According to DeVaughn Simper, staff vexillologist at Colonial Flag, http://www.colonialflag.com, it was an off and on practice during the 1950s and 1960s. The Supply Corp would stamp the deceased's serial number on the header and then when it was sent out for a burial it was listed with the graves registration office. At times a name was added or written instead of the serial number. The practice ceased in the 1970s.
The flag you have to s a collector's item.
DM
About 15 years ago I purchased a flag at an antique store. When I got it home I realized 2 of the stars were upside down. It is a 48 star flag, 9.5x5, made of linen with brass grommets. It was made by the Annin Company. I have contacted the Company and they said it must have been a patch job but you can clearly tell the stars were embroidered on the flag that way. I was told its size denoted it was a casket flag. I have emailed several other people but no one seems to know why the flag has 2 upside down stars. Do you know of any reason?
Ms. Martin,
I consulted vexillologist DeVaughn Simper of Colonial Flag (www.colonialflag.com) and he surmised that the only way that could have happened would be a glitch in the setup of the embroidery machine. The two upside down stars are a fluke, like one of the US mints double stamping a coin or something similar. It's a special flag to be sure.
If you are ever interested in letting it go, please get in touch with DeVaughn through me or the website above.
DM
I have a question about the flag that is displayed on a veterans coffin. My husband says that the flag is the one for the time or war that the veteran served. Example: A WWII veteran would have a different flag than say a Desert Storm Veteran would have. I say that it is the same flag for all veterans. Can you please help to solve this argument.
Mrs. Roberson,
When veterans of the US military are buried, they have their casket draped with the current flag of the United States of America. Even though Alaska was given statehood on January 3, 1959 and Hawaii was given statehood on July 4, 1960, those serving in the military who died at that time were given the current flag, whether that was the 48-, 49- (official for one year only), or 50-star flag. Out oldest living WWII veteran will not receive a 48-star flag on his casket just because the US was comprised of 48 states during his time of service.
Side note: The family has the option of ordering a 48-, 49-, or other legacy American flag and have it drape the casket, but that is at the family's expense. The government provides the current US flag at no cost to the family.
DM
Drillmaster. Firstly, Thank you for your service. This “wrinkled flag” theory is becoming a hot topic, and even through some research, there is no way I can feel 100% confident that the wrinkled flag means that the deceased were traitors or they weren’t. I would respect your opinion most on this topic. Any idea on how this theory grew legs? From what I’ve seen online, there are more wrinkled flags than pressed ones. I looked up Audie Murphy’s (considered by many to be the most decorated war hero of WWII) casket and his flag is pretty wrinkled too. I don’t know. Thanks in advance for your time.
This statement is not true. I researched the same, and found no proof of Audie Murphy’s casket showing a wrinkled flag.
Sir,
Oh well, stop the presses! You found ONE instance of a possibility, but cannot prove it conclusively. At the same time, I can find dozens of images and give you personal first-hand accounts from those who have carried caskets at the veteran and state level, including myself, as proof.
The statement, whatever statement you chose and failed to identify, is true.
DM
I am certain that many conspiracies are definitely not theories, but agree with you that there is nothing to the Wrinkled Flag Theory that I explain in the article above.
I would like to say Thank you for all you do.
I’ve been reading a lot about the Christian Flag higher or lower then the US Flag.
I was wondering when the flags are flown at half mask , can the Christian flag stay up ? I have read several different articles
under One Country ,One God so the Christian Flag can stay up.
Could you please help me out on this ?
Thank you.
l
Mr. Friman,
All flags are lowered to the same level as the American flag. Only foreign national flags remain at full truck. All other flags are lowered. That is flag protocol.
My question concerns the burial flag presentation to the next of kin. When my 97-year-old father (a WWII navy veteran) passes, he plans to have a burial flag draping the casket. I have an older sister and younger brother. Neither of them served their country. I am a Vietnam veteran. Our mother (dad’s spouse) has passed so the flag should go to my older sister according to protocol. My father does not want her to have the flag. My younger brother thinks he should get the flag. The funeral director said we could purchase the second flag and have it folded in the casket to be removed prior to closing the casket. My brother said I could have that flag and he’d take the draped flag. I feel it is a slap in my face to receive the pre-folded flag and not the draped flag. Why can’t protocol give the flag to first the spouse if living, then to the oldest veteran child if there is one, then to the oldest living child, then down the line? What are your thoughts about this? Thanks.
Mr. Zieg,
Thank your dad for his service for me and also thank you for serving our great country.
Protocol dictates that the (current) spouse receives the flag that is folded in front of the next of kin. If no spouse, the eldest child. After that, the children in order of age receive the flag.
Your brother will do just fine receiving the pre-folded flag while you receive the flag that was draped.
To ensure this happens correctly, inform the funeral director that you will purchase another flag and that you will receive the one folded during military funeral honors and that your brother will receive the other flag. The funeral director must identify both of you to the Navy funeral team, which should be two Sailors who will come to sound Taps, fold the flag and present it. Now, what the Sailors may not know is that the one who does not have a flag to present right after the folding is finished, should retrieve the pre-folded flag from the funeral director and both flags can then be presented simultaneously.
I hope this is helpful.
Well, it helped me but did nothing to change my brother’s thoughts. He feels he should receive the flag. He has the funeral director convinced it’s ok to skip everybody else and award the draped flag to him. He even got my dad to sign a paper stating that. To me it is a slap in the face to not follow military protocol and I will not attend my father’s service.
Thanks for sending the information. If it ok with you I’d like to forward it to the funeral home owner to help raise veteran awareness.
Yes sir, please share. Education is key.
The tops of those flags draped over those caskets for GHW Bush and McCain were horribly wrinkled and they didn’t fold and tuck the corners on McCains – he’s supposedly a POW wartime Senator – you’d think they’d take way better care of the Flag. The sides aren’t the only wrinkled areas sir. I kindly disagree with you. Seen military funerals. Been to them and haven’t seen anything like this! Those men were traitors to their country and we will ALL see and know why soon enough! Just the picture of McCain with the ISIS leaders we were supposedly trying to kill for terrorism is enough for me! Traitors don’t deserve flags without wrinkles!