The Solemn Honor of a Flag-Draped Casket
You stand before an open casket, a folded American flag in your hands, and a profound sense of duty in your heart. The request is clear: drape the flag. For a military veteran, a first responder, or a respected public servant, this final honor is a powerful, visual tribute. Yet, the moment can feel daunting. How do you ensure the flag is positioned correctly, with the dignity the occasion demands?
This guide provides the precise, step-by-step instructions you need. We will cover the traditional method for an open casket, the symbolism behind each fold, and how to handle the flag with the utmost respect. Whether you are a family member, a funeral director, or a member of an honor guard, this practical knowledge will help you perform this duty with confidence.
Understanding the Tradition and Protocol
The tradition of draping a flag over a casket is deeply rooted in military and state funerals. It symbolizes the nation’s gratitude for the individual’s service and sacrifice. The flag itself is treated as a sacred object throughout the ceremony. For an open casket viewing, the flag is not fully unfolded over the body as it is with a closed casket. Instead, it is carefully arranged to honor the deceased while allowing loved ones to pay their final respects.
The protocol is specific. The union field—the blue canton with stars—is always positioned to honor the deceased. For a casket, this means the union is placed at the head and over the left shoulder from the perspective of someone standing at the foot looking toward the head. This placement allows the stars to be over the heart, a final symbol of service to country.
Essential Preparations Before You Begin
Before you approach the casket, take a moment to prepare. You will need a standard 5-foot by 9.5-foot interment flag, which is the size designed for a casket. Ensure the flag is clean, pressed, and free of wrinkles. It is best to have at least two people for this task to ensure the flag is handled smoothly and without touching the ground.
Position yourselves on opposite sides of the casket. The person who will be at the head of the casket, typically the more experienced individual or the designated leader, will guide the process. Communicate clearly and move with deliberate, slow movements. The atmosphere should be one of quiet reverence.
Step-by-Step Guide to Draping the Flag
Follow these steps to correctly drape the flag over an open casket. Remember, the casket is open, so the flag will not cover the face or the upper body of the deceased.
Positioning the Flag Lengthwise
Hold the flag folded in its standard triangular shape, as received from the funeral home or honor guard. Do not unfold it completely. With your partner, approach the casket. The person at the head will gently place the pointed end of the folded flag at the center of the head panel, inside the casket, just above the deceased’s head.
The second person, at the foot of the casket, will receive the other end. Together, slowly unfold the flag lengthwise, so it opens like a blanket. The long, open edge should run down the length of the casket, and the union field (the blue stars) will be revealed at the head end, on the left side.
Arranging the Union and the Field
Once the flag is unfolded lengthwise, carefully lower it. The flag should cover the closed lower half of the casket and the interior sides (the “casket cap”). The upper half of the casket, where the deceased is visible, remains uncovered.
Now, focus on the head of the casket. The union field must be positioned so it rests on the left side of the deceased (their left shoulder), spilling over from the interior of the casket onto the exterior head panel. Gently adjust the flag so the blue field with stars is centered on that left shoulder area. The red and white stripes will flow down the right side of the casket interior and across the closed lower half.
Take a moment to smooth the flag, ensuring it lies flat and without twists. The edges should be neat, and the stars should be clearly visible at the head, left shoulder position.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
Even with careful preparation, questions can arise. Here are answers to common concerns.
What if the Casket is Only Partially Open?
Sometimes, a casket is half-open, with only the upper portion revealed. The procedure remains the same. Drape the flag so it covers the closed lower half and the interior sides. The union still goes at the head, over the left shoulder. The flag simply will not extend into the fully closed foot section.
Handling a Flag That is Too Large or Small
A standard interment flag is designed for this purpose and should fit a typical adult casket. If it seems too long, the excess material can be neatly tucked into the foot of the casket interior, ensuring it does not hang loosely. A flag that is too small should not be used; it must be replaced with the correct size to maintain propriety.
What About Other Flags or Service Banners?
For veterans, a service branch flag (Army, Navy, etc.) is sometimes placed near the casket or on a stand, but it does not replace the American flag on the casket itself. The American flag is the primary drape. If a religious pall is used during a church service, it is placed over the American flag and then removed before departure to the cemetery.
The Final Fold and Presentation
After the viewing, before the casket is closed for transport to the committal service, the flag must be properly removed and folded into the ceremonial triangle. This is a thirteen-fold ritual, each fold rich with symbolism. It requires practice and is typically performed by an honor guard or trained personnel.
If you are responsible for this, the process begins by lifting the flag from the casket with the same care used to drape it. With two people facing each other over the flag, you methodically create the tight, triangular shape, with only the blue union field visible on the outside, and no red stripes showing.
The folded flag is then presented to the next of kin—often a spouse, parent, or child—with the words, “On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States [Service Branch], and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”
A Lasting Tribute of Respect
Draping a flag on an open casket is more than a procedure; it is a final act of communal respect. It visually connects a personal life of service to the enduring ideals of the nation. By following these steps, you ensure this tribute is performed correctly, honoring both the tradition and the individual.
Your careful attention to detail provides comfort to the grieving family, affirming that their loved one’s service is recognized and valued. It turns a moment of uncertainty into one of profound dignity, creating a lasting memory of honor at the close of a life well-lived.
