Drape or Display the Flag

• How the flag is draped or displayed depends on whether the casket is open, half-open or closed. If the casket is open, the flag should be folded into a triangle with the stars pointing up and placed directly above the deceased's left shoulder. If the casket is half-open, the flag should be folded lengthwise into thirds and draped with the blue star field on top of the casket. If the casket is closed, the flag should be draped over the coffin with the blue star field at the head of the coffin extending over the deceased's left shoulder.
  
  

After the Viewing

• At the cemetery, the pallbearers must hold the flag at waist-height and fold it immediately after Taps is played. To properly fold the flag, start by folding the flag in half lengthwise, and then fold it again lengthwise. You should have a long strip. Starting at the striped end, fold the end so that the bottom edge touches the side edge of the flag. The resulting fold will look like a triangle. Continue folding the flag in this way until all that is left is a triangle. If there is an edge, tuck it into the fold on the side. The flag should never be allowed to touch the ground or lowered into the grave with the casket.
  
  

After the Funeral

• After the funeral, the memorial flag is given to the next of kin. The order of precedence is: spouse, children, parents, siblings, uncles or aunts, nieces or nephews, cousins and grandparents. If the deceased has no next of kin, a friend can request the flag. The burial flag can be displayed in the home, but it is made from untreated cotton and therefore it is not suitable for flying.
  
  

Proper Disposal of a Damaged Flag

• When the flag becomes worn or damaged, the Department of Veterans Affairs requests that the recipient burn it privately in a respectful manner. A stolen or damaged flag cannot be replaced by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but some local veterans' groups will provide a replacement to the family.