Burial Flag to Who?

[Frenchfamily2@fuse.net]

I was hoping someone could help answer a question. My father is a WWII veteran. We are preparing for his funeral and had a question concerning the memorial flag. I thought that the flag was given first to a surviving spouse and if none to the oldest son of a veteran who had also served in the military otherwise the oldest son. The only information I can fine refers to “next of kin“ receiving the flag upon burial. I know any surviving kin may accept the flag but was wondering what is the proper etiquette. Thank you

[american_flag_uk]

welcome to USA flag site

The way it is done is usually it is given to the next of kin - who would be the spouse... if no spouse - then whomever is next of kin..
That would be the oldest child - male or female who would recieve the flag on the day - this is obviously the fairest way of doing it if there is more than one person wanting to collect the flag... you can draw names out of a hat or other ways of deciding fairly who gets to pick up the flag on the day also

then of course after athat time then it can be decided who gets to keep the flag or whether it is passed around every month to the next person to look after

[xpduint1]

I'm new to this site and have searched for the following answer, are the US flags given to the next of kin made in the USA?" Sure would like to know. Also is the flag(s) displayed in our nations capitol made in the USA?

[american_flag_uk]

yes and yes xpduint'

welcome to 'Usa flag site

they are all made in the USA

[Stuff4Toys]

I was hoping someone could help answer a question. My father is a WWII veteran. We are preparing for his funeral and had a question concerning the memorial flag. I thought that the flag was given first to a surviving spouse and if none to the oldest son of a veteran who had also served in the military otherwise the oldest son. The only information I can fine refers to “next of kin“ receiving the flag upon burial. I know any surviving kin may accept the flag but was wondering what is the proper etiquette. Thank you

Sorry to hear of your loss, our hearts and prayers are with you. My family just went through the same thing. Mom passed away several years ago, so when Dad (also a WWII Vet) died my oldest brother received the flag and to our delight, he presented the flag to the Youngest Great Grandson in the family, my Grandson. The flag is displayed in my Daughters home in a beautiful hand made case. We have since found all of Dad's military badges, metals and awards and will include them in the display case.

JOhn ><>

[mtiernan]

Would the flag still go to the oldest son if he was not honorably discharged?

[american_flag_uk]

if the deceased is dishonorably discharged - they are not entitled to a military funeral or a burial flag....
if a burial flag is wanted - the family would need to purchase it themselves

[mtiernan]

Thanks for the initial reply, but maybe my question was not clear. My father in law was honorably discharged in 1946 after fighting in WWII. He died last year and the burial flag was given to my wife the 2nd oldest in the family. The oldest and the rest of the fasmily is questioning why she was given the flag. The oldest son received a general/dishonorable discharge from the military. Because of that the flag went to my wife. Does that justify the flag not going to the oldest son.

[NAVA1974]

... The oldest son received a general/dishonorable discharge from the military. Because of that the flag went to my wife. Does that justify the flag not going to the oldest son...

I do not see how the designation of "next of kin" changes when someone is dishonorably discharged.