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Monday, October 11, 2004
May one bury a U.S. Flag in a burial coffin?
Charley,
Had a question from a lady with major health problems, though young. She was thinking about her burial and wanted to know if she could be buried with her fathers flag which was given to her mother on his death. He was a veteran.
I had her to clarify whether she wanted the casket draped or to be buried with her. I told her I thought that a draped coffin protocol was reserved for the Uniformed services, Military,Police, Firemen. I also said that there may be something against burial of the flag in a coffin, but she thought it was only against burying the flag in soil.
Any info? Any help?
Stan
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Hi Stan:
I tried to research the subject on the web, to no avail. I don't recall anyone ever wanting to be buried with a flag. So, my OPINION is as follows:
- NO, ABSOLUTE NO - to burial with the flag draped over the coffin, because of the prohibition against allowing the US Ensign to touch the soil. Remember that the flag draped over coffins of veterans is folded and given to the next of kin - not buried with the deceased.
- YES - to burial with the flag folded properly, and placed in the coffin beside her. Who would know? And, I am sure that it would make her feel better about her impending demise. I haven't heard of the "Flag Police" digging up graves to retrieve flags.
Since I wrote the above, I have spent some time thinking about it, and I think that I would tell her to go for it - within the coffin. The comfort that she would receive from knowing that there would be a flag in her coffin, far outweigh any concerns for desecrating the flag. The flag is being honored in this case, and not being dishonored as in "Flag Burning" by protestors. US Supreme Court has declared that protestors have a constitutional right to burn the flag in protest, as a freedom of speech issue. So, I think that she has a right to have the flag in her coffin on the same grounds.
Very thought provoking question. Please give the young lady in question my warmest regards and respect.
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The Young Ladies Response:
Stan, thank you so very much for researchng my question. You have NO idea how much this means to me from the bottom of my heart. I cried when I read it. I am honered to be buried with my daddy's flag for we were very close. Since I followed his footsteps as to helping my country as best I could I would feel as if I was rewarded. As long as my name on the website, it is fine with me if he wants to get a survey on my request, for he made me very happy with his answer.
Thanks,
A Proud American
Comments:
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I have never burned a flag. The day that flag burning becomes illegal, I will burn a flag in protest.
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