If there is no surviving spouse to receive the burial flag after the Military Honors in a funeral, is there a law or "rule" that anyone can send me that proves that the oldest child of the deceased would be next in line to receive it? Please answer with a valid website reference that I can prove the answer with, to the local funeral director that says only the "oldest son" can receive the flag. I am a funeral director myself, and I know this is incorrect, but I need valid proof I can print out and take to him. Preferably from a govermental website.
2006-07-31 11:57:47 · 8 answers · asked by LadyBassPlayer 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
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.
2006-07-31 12:03:40 · answer #1 · answered by HEartstrinGs 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A surviving parent would receive the flag first, then a close relative such as a brother or sister unless it is designated by the military member before his/her death. It has also been noted that if the parents are divorced both parents could receive a flag. But in most cases the eldest surviving or a designated family member gets the flag.
2006-07-31 16:22:47 · answer #2 · answered by eldertrouble 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"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."
source: http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/bbene/bflags.asp
More info:
http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/
http://www.cem.va.gov/
2006-07-31 12:05:02 · answer #3 · answered by Tom-SJ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only specification is "next of kin", but "next" does not specify oldest or male relative, and "kin" doesn't have to be a blood relative.
Is the director trying to insist that a younger son or daughter can't receive the flag? If so, contact your local VA office or local VFW post and I bet that they would be more than willing to set this person straight. Just search for "VFW post ___(town or state)_____" or try http://www.va.gov
Good luck.
2006-07-31 12:25:39 · answer #4 · answered by sandostrich 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check with any Casualty Assitance Office at any base/fort.
Go to this site for more info:
http://www.army.mil/features/FamilyAssistanceHotline/default.htm
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/theorderlyroom/l/blcasualty.htm
2006-07-31 12:04:02 · answer #5 · answered by Kenneth S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Information may be obtainable from the following sources:
2006-07-31 12:05:44 · answer #6 · answered by Mike A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With my dad it was who we decided it would be. The 2ND eldest.
2006-07-31 12:07:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they should have the answer here:
http://www.va.gov/pressrel/milhonor.htm
2006-07-31 12:19:58 · answer #8 · answered by Moral Maverick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋