Military Funeral Honors
The basic Military Funeral Honors (MFH) ceremony consists of the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the veterans’ family and the playing of Taps. The ceremony is performed by a volunteer group of veterans known as the Honor Guard.
Your funeral director will contact and coordinate with your local honor guard to ensure that your veteran is buried with proper final military rites. Taps may be played by a bugler or, if a bugler is not available, by using a quality recorded version.
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.
For those VA national cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags, families of veterans buried in these national cemeteries may donate the burial flags of their loved ones to be flown on patriotic holidays.
How can you apply?
You may apply for the flag by completing VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes.
You may get a flag at any VA regional office or U.S. Post Office. Generally, the funeral director will help you obtain the flag.
If you need our services immediately, please call us.
We will begin the process of bringing your loved one into our care right away.
How should the burial flag be displayed?
The proper way to display the flag depends upon whether the casket is open or closed. VA Form 27-2008 provides the correct method for displaying and folding the flag.
The burial flag is not suitable for outside display because of its size and fabric. It is made of cotton and can easily be damaged by weather.
Can a burial flag be replaced?
The law allows us to issue one flag for a veteran’s funeral. We cannot replace it if it is lost, destroyed, or stolen.
However, some veterans’ organizations or other community groups may be able to help you get another flag.
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If you need our services immediately, please call us.
We will begin the process of bringing your loved one into our care right away.
