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Flag protocol
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Posted on Jan 06 2014
I just want to clarify some issues with the letter from Antolynn Maratita to Vicente Camacho, director of the Office of Military Liaison and Veteran’s Affairs, on Flag Presentation Protocol and Flag Folding. In accordance with Title 38 USC 230 and Department of Defense, the VA authorizes only one flag and, if there is any dispute, the order is as follows (assuming the veteran has not left written instructions)…the order of precedence is: surviving spouse, children according to age, parents (including adoptive, stepparents, and foster parents), brothers or sisters (including brothers or sisters of half-blood), uncles or aunts, nephews or nieces, others such as cousins or grandparents.
When there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making a request for it. If there is no living relative or one cannot be located, and no friend requests the flag, it must be returned to the nearest VA facility.
The VA is not able to provide replacement burial flags, even for lost or damaged flags. After a flag has been used for a military or veteran’s funeral, it should never be flown again or displayed in any other way than in the tri-fold shape in which it was presented to the next of kin. In other words, the folded flag should never be “opened” again. There are many appropriate display cases available for purchase to display the burial flag and to protect it from wear and fading.
Other recommended reading for the next-of-kin: Presidential Memorial Certificate. This is a parchment certificate with a calligraphic inscription expressing the nation’s grateful recognition of an honorably discharged, deceased veteran’s service in the Armed Forces. The veteran’s name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of the President. Next of kin, other relatives and friends may request the certificate in person at any VA regional office or by mail. For information about requesting a Presidential Memorial Certificate, visit http://www.cem.va.gov/pmc.asp
[B]SSG Dominic B. Pangelinan [/B] [I]San Vicente, Saipan[/I]
