Does the military kneel when presenting a flag?

Kneel, on one knee, in front of the flag recipient and solemnly present the flag to the recipient. Present the flag using the veteran's military service preferred wording: Army ...

Why do soldiers kneel when presenting the flag?

During the presentation, the officer kneels in front of the next of kin. As they present the flag, they say “As a representative of the United States service branch, it is my high privilege to present to you this flag.

What does the military say when presenting the flag?

“On behalf of the President of the United States, [the United States Army, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy or the United States Air Force] and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service.”

How is the flag presented at a military funeral?

The ceremonial folding and presentation of the flag is a tribute of lasting importance to our service members, veterans and their families. The flag is draped on a closed casket so that the union blue field is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased.

How do you present a flag?

The Flag Presentation Protocol is as follows: Stand facing the flag recipient and hold the folded flag waist high with the straight edge facing the recipient. Lean toward the flag recipient and solemnly present the flag to the recipient.

Flag presentation

How do you display a military flag?

Whether you're displaying the U.S. Army flag, the U.S. Navy flag or any other military flag with the American flag, you should place it below the American flag. Poles are available in different sizes. Most of them, though, can accommodate multiple flags.

What is the proper flag etiquette?

The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way. The flag should never be used as covering for a ceiling. The flag should never have anything placed on it.

When a military person dies who gets the flag?

2. 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.

Can anyone have a flag draped coffin?

We have all seen the image; a coffin draped in the American flag, often done for military men and women as a symbol of appreciation and honor for their military service.

What does folded flag mean?

Here is what each fold of the flag means: The first fold symbolizes life. The second fold represents a belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans who gave their lives in defense of the country in order to help attain peace throughout the world.

Why are flags folded into a triangle?

In the U.S. Armed Forces, at the ceremony of retreat, the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead.

Why can't red show on a folded flag?

The folded flag is emblematic of the tri-cornered hat worn by the Patriots of the American Revolution. When folded, no red or white stripe is to be evident, leaving only the blue field with stars. It is then presented as a keepsake to the next of kin or an appropriate family member.

What do the three shells mean at a military funeral?

Typically three fired cartridges are placed into the folded flag prior to presentation to the next of kin; the cartridges signify "duty, honor, and sacrifice.”

Do you have to stand for the anthem?

Answer: The Flag Code states that during rendition of the National Anthem, those present should stand and render the proper salute. Rendition includes singing.

Can you have a military funeral if you are cremated?

Funeral and Memorial Services for Veterans

Veterans can receive cremation and burial benefits if eligible. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, a veteran's family may bury or inter their loved one's ashes at any National Cemetery that accepts cremains.

Where does it say you have to stand for the national anthem?

According to Title 36 (section 171) of the United States Code, “During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in (military) uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.

What are 3 things one should never do out of respect to the flag?

Do veterans get a flag when they died?

We provide a United States flag to drape on a casket (or coffin) or place with an urn in honor of the military service of a Veteran or Reservist. Find out how to apply for this burial honor.

Why is the flag folded 13 times at a funeral?

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost. The 13th and last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust."

Does the oldest child get the military flag?

The following hierarchy is used to determine who should receive the flag in the event the designated next of kin is unavailable: The spouse. Children, oldest first.

Who gets a 3 volley salute?

The president of the United States, as commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces, is authorized this honor. The firing of three volleys over the grave of a fallen warrior has its origin in the old custom of halting the fighting to remove the dead from the battlefield.

What is buried at the base of a military flag pole?

Some versions include a grain of rice or wheat to be used to give the soldier strength or rebuild food supplies in the event of a victory. For those curious about the usefulness of a bullet without a gun, some stories include details about a pistol being buried at the base of the flagpole or some 50 paces away.

Is it disrespectful to fly a flag on a truck?

Decals and fabric flags (flown) are acceptable; however, draping a real flag flat over the hood, trunk, or truck bed is considered disrespectful to the flag. Q: Is it OK to fly a flag on a truck? A: As long as it doesn't interfere with the driver's field of view or obstruct the vehicle operation in any other way.

Is The Thin Blue Line American flag disrespectful?

In May 2021, the Edmonton Police Association drew criticism for flying a thin blue line flag atop their building. In response, a representative for the police association stated that they didn't "know where and how the symbolism of the blue line flag turned into being considered a racist or hateful type of thing".

What do you do if a flag touches the ground?

The only time when you should destroy or retire an American flag is when it's severely soiled or damaged to the point where it's no longer fitting to display. If your American flag touches the ground, pick it up and reattach it to the flagpole.