Veterans Burial Benefits: Eligibility and Application Process for Free Burial Flags for Veterans

The U.S. government offers free burial flags to honor soldiers and reservists who died in the military after 1941, 1955, or during wartime, through VA Form 27-2008.

Veterans Burial Benefits: To show appreciation for soldiers and reservists’ service, the U.S. government gives away free burial flags. Flags like these are often hung over the coffin or placed with an urn during the service as a tribute that will last.

People who are allowed to, like the service member’s partner, child, or close friend, can ask for a burial flag. People who died while serving in the military after May 27, 1941, after January 31, 1955, or during wartime are eligible. Family members can fill out VA Form 27-2008 and send it to the VA office or U.S. Post Office that is closest to them in order to apply.

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The deceased may still qualify if they served in peacetime prior to June 27, 1950, and either completed a single full enlistment or were released because of a service-related condition. Some reservists may also be eligible, such as those who served in the Philippine military after April 25, 1951.

Veterans Burial Benefits: How to submit a burial flag application?

If you want to get a funeral flag, you need to fill out VA Form 27-2008, which is called “Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes.” You can download this form from the VA website or go to a funeral home, VA office, or U.S. post office to pick it up in person. Fill it out and bring it to one of these places to get the flag. It is suggested that you call ahead if you plan to pick up the flag from a post office, as not all of them have funeral flags.

Taking good care of the flag

To preserve a burial flag as a keepsake, avoid prolonged outdoor display to protect it from weather damage, and always display it respectfully, free from inscriptions or attachments. If you choose to part with it, consider donating it to a national cemetery that participates in the Avenue of Flags program, where it will be flown on patriotic holidays.

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Alternatively, if the flag becomes worn, you can give it to a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), which will retire it with honor in a ceremonial manner. This way, the flag continues to be respected and honored appropriately.

Flags that are substituted

The VA does not issue replacements for flags that are lost, stolen, or irreparably destroyed. But you might be able to get a new one with the aid of some veterans’ organizations. For the families of soldiers, this small but meaningful distinction is a lovely way to say farewell.

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