Military Casket Flag Draping: Protocol, Folding, and Presentation Rules

How the Flag Is Positioned on the Casket

The United States flag drapes over a closed casket with the union (the blue field of stars) at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. This positioning is codified in the U.S. Flag Code (4 U.S.C. § 7(n)) and military funeral honors protocol. The flag should cover the casket fully but never touch the ground, and nothing — no flowers, wreaths, or personal items — is placed on top of it.

For a full-couch casket (where the entire lid opens), the flag is folded into a triangle and placed in the lid at the head end, just above the deceased's left shoulder. When the lid is closed for the procession, the flag is positioned lengthwise with the union at the head and over the left shoulder.

For a half-couch casket (upper half opens for viewing), the flag is folded on the lower half in the same relative position as when displayed full-length on a closed casket, with the blue field visible on the deceased's left side.

With an urn, the folded flag is carried to the urn; after it is set down, the flag is unfolded and held over the cremated remains during the ceremony. After Taps, it is folded again and presented to the recipient.

Who Receives the Flag

After the graveside ceremony, the honor guard folds the flag into the ceremonial triangle — 13 folds representing the 13 original colonies — and presents it to the next of kin. The presenter faces the recipient, holds the folded flag waist high with the straight edge toward the recipient, then leans forward to present it and recites the branch-appropriate statement: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States [branch], and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."

The VA provides one burial flag per eligible veteran. It is presented to the next of kin in this order: surviving spouse, children according to age, parents, siblings, then other relatives. If there is no next of kin, a close friend may receive it.

Requesting Military Funeral Honors

On request, eligible veterans are entitled to a funeral honors detail of two or more people. Federal law requires the minimum ceremony to include folding and presenting the flag and playing Taps. This is under 10 U.S.C. § 1491. The funeral home typically coordinates the request through the local military installation or honor guard. Families can find the service-specific contact in the Military Funeral Honors Directory; Military OneSource lists 800-342-9647 for additional information.

Eligibility covers people who served on active duty and were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, and current or former members of the Selected Reserve described in 38 U.S.C. § 2301(f). A DD-214 or another discharge document showing honorable service can establish eligibility; having one ready helps the coordinator verify the record.

Additional honors, such as a rifle party, color guard, or pallbearers, depend on eligibility, availability, and approval. The funeral director or service coordinator can confirm what is available.

Flag Procurement and Display

The burial flag is free. Apply through the VA using Form 27-2008, available at any VA regional office, most funeral homes, or online. The flag is a standard 5' × 9.5' interment flag — larger than a standard display flag — specifically sized to drape a full casket.

After the service, many families display the folded flag in a triangular display case. The VA does not provide the case, but they are widely available from $30 to $80. The VA says the cotton burial flag is not suitable for outside display because weather can damage it. VA provides only one flag per veteran and does not replace a flag that is lost, destroyed, stolen, or damaged.

For veterans choosing cremation, the flag is still presented. The honor guard carries the folded flag to the urn, unfolds it over the cremated remains during the ceremony, then folds and presents it to the family.

The Casket & Urn Selection Guide includes sizing tables for both full-couch and half-couch caskets, which is relevant when coordinating flag draping protocol with your casket selection.