If you’re looking to honor a veteran or reservist with a burial flag, here’s a quick rundown on eligibility and the process to get one. Burial flags are provided by the U.S. government at no cost as a way to honor the service of deceased veterans and reservists. They’re typically draped over the casket or placed with the urn at a service, serving as a lasting symbol of gratitude for their dedication to the country.
You’re eligible to apply for a burial flag if you’re the next of kin, like a spouse or child, or a close friend of the deceased service member. To qualify, the service member must meet specific requirements. This includes veterans who served during wartime, those who died on active duty after May 27, 1941, and those who served after January 31, 1955.
If the deceased served in peacetime before June 27, 1950, they may still be eligible if they completed one full enlistment or were discharged due to a disability related to service. Additionally, certain reservists, including those who served in the U.S. Philippine military forces post-April 25, 1951, may qualify.
How to apply for a burial flag
To apply for a burial flag, you’ll need to complete VA Form 27-2008 (Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes). You can download this form from the VA’s website or pick one up at a VA office, a U.S. post office, or a funeral director’s office. After filling it out, bring it to one of these locations to obtain the flag. It’s a good idea to call ahead if you plan to get the flag from a post office, as not all branches keep burial flags in stock.
Caring for the flag
If you’d like to keep the flag as a memento, here are a few tips on proper care. To avoid weather-related damage, don’t leave it outdoors for extended periods, and display it respectfully without adding any attachments or inscriptions. If you decide you no longer want to keep the flag, you have the option to donate it to a national cemetery with an Avenue of Flags program, where it will be displayed on patriotic holidays. Alternatively, if the flag is worn or damaged, you can give it to a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), which will respectfully retire it.
Replacement flags
If the flag is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, the VA doesn’t provide replacements. However, some veterans’ organizations may help you acquire a new one. This simple but powerful honor means a lot to veterans’ families, providing a beautiful way to say goodbye.
