I figured I’d ask here because I know that a number of you guys are active military or have members of family who are in the service…
My grandfather died back in 2002 and was a WWII Vet. My dad did not contact the government and request my grandfather’s flag to be draped over the casket and I was wondering if it is too late to get the flag from the government. I wast thinking I could get a display case for the flag any my grandfather’s other war memorabilia and give it to my dad for christmas. I know that when veteran dies, he is entitled to a flag, but I didn’t know if 8 years is too late to try and get one.
If I can’t still get a flag from the government, do you guys know where I can find a good quality flag that I can have put in the display case? I have no idea where to even start looking.
Ahh. Looks like I am out of luck though. This is included in the instructions/rules:
Note: The flag cannot be replaced if it is lost, destroyed, or stolen.Additionally, a flag may not be issued after burial unless it was impossible to obtain a flag in time to drape the casket or accompany the urn before burial. If the next-of-kin or friend is requesting the flag after the veteran’s burial, he or she must personally sign the application and explain in Item 15 “Remarks” the reason that prevented timely application for a burial flag.
There really was not reason, I think my dad just didn’t think of it because of all of the other things he was taking care of at the time. I guess I’ll just have to find a place to buy one.
you might still want to try though. I would hope that some kind of exception could be made, even if the excuse is kind of lame. I mean a lot of people give their lives every day for this country. As long as you can show some proof of your relationship I hope you could get the flag.
that’s a much better way of putting it than what I said about a “kind of lame” excuse. Well said. I doubt I would be able to think of everything if my father died…