Cremating the Flag with a Body

[wlwd6792]

Hi All,

I work for funeral homes and we received a request today to have an American Flag that will be draped over a casket of a retired serviceman cremated with the body.

What is the general thoughts, status quo on this?

Wendy

[NAVA1974]

Hi All, I work for funeral homes and we received a request today to have an American Flag that will be draped over a casket of a retired serviceman cremated with the body. What is the general thoughts, status quo on this? Wendy

Good question, Wendy. This is not specifically covered in the United States Flag Code. The code states that a flag no longer in a condition to be flown should be destroyed, preferably by burning. It is silent on the question of burning a new flag during a cremation.

However, this statement from the code tells me a great deal:
"When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground."

This tells me in no uncertain terms that the flag is not supposed to end up like the body - to do so would be disrespectful to the flag. The flag is used to honor the member of the armed forces up to a point. Then the flag is presented to the family in memory of a life well served. That is my interpretation, and I am sure there are others who disagree.

Regards,
Nick