Use of the Flag

Question 1

Issued on Behalf of the Veterans Administration

• Closed casket
• Half couch casket
• Full couch casket

Answer 1

Use of the Flag

Question 2

Center the flag on the casket so that the blue field is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased.

Answer 2

Closed Casket

Question 3

If open, arrange the flag in three layers (10 inch folds) to cover the closed half of the casket. The blue field will be the top layer on the deceased’s left. Tuck the white margin along the hoist of the flag under, so that only the blue field and the stripes show.

Answer 3

Half Couch Casket

Question 4

Fold the flag into a triangle and place it in the casket cap just above the left shoulder of the deceased.

Answer 4

Full Couch Casket

Question 5

The flag which was used to drape the casket sould be held waist high over the grave by the casketbearers and immediately after the sounding of TAPS it should be folded.

Answer 5

During the Military Committment Ceremony

Question 6

• Fold the lower striped section of the flag over the blue field.
• The folded edge is then folded over to meet the open edge.
• A triangle fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge.
• The outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge to form a second triangle.
• Triangle folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in the triangle shape of a cocked hat with only blue field visible.

Answer 6

Correct Method of Folding the United States Flag:

Question 7

This should not be done with the flag. When taken from the casket it should be folded immediately.

Answer 7

Lowered in the Grave or Allowed to Touch the Ground

Question 8

The flag should form this of a statue or monument unveiling, but it should never be used as a covering or drape for an item to be unveiled.

Answer 8

Distinctive Feature of Ceremony

Question 9

This should not be done with a flag in such a manner as will permit it to be easily torn, soiled or damaged in any way.

Answer 9

Fastened, Displayed, Used or Stowed

Question 10

• Any mark
• Insignia
• Letter
• Word
• Figure
• Design
• Picture
• Drawing of any nature

Answer 10

The Flag Should Never Have Placed on it, nor any Part of it, nor Attached to it:

Question 11

• Receiving
• Holding
• Carrying
• Delivering

Answer 11

The Flag Should Never be Used as a Receptacle for:

Question 12

When badly torn, worn, or soiled, the flag should not longer be publicly displayed, but have this done with it in such a manner as to convey no suggestion of disrespect or irreverence.

Answer 12

Privately Destroyed by Burning

Question 13

(Such as flowers or a crucifix) when using it to drape the casket.

Answer 13

Nothing Should be Placed on the Flag

Question 14

1. The flag should be folded and placed in a carton secured inside the shipping receptacle.
2. The flag should be draped over the casket when placed in the shipping receptacle.

Answer 14

When a flag is Transported With the Deceased by Common Carrier, one of two Procedures may be Followed: