A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who served honorably in the U. S. Armed Forces. It is furnished to honor the memory of a veteran's military service to his or her country. VA will furnish a burial flag for memorialization for:
- A veteran who served during wartime
- A veteran who died on active duty after May 27, 1941
- A veteran who served after January 31, 1955
- A peacetime veteran who was discharged or released before June 27, 1950
- Certain persons who served in the organized military forces of the Commonwealth of the Philippines while in service of the U.S. Armed Forces and who died on or after April 25, 1951
- Certain former members of the Selected Reserves
Who Is Eligible to Receive the Burial Flag?
Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service. When there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making request for it. For those VA national cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags, families of veterans buried in these national cemeteries may donate the burial flags of their loved ones to be flown on patriotic holidays.
How Can You Apply?
You may apply for the flag by completing VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes. You may get a flag at any VA regional office or U.S. Post Office. Generally, the funeral director will help you obtain the flag.
Can a Burial Flag Be Replaced?
The law allows us to issue one flag for a veteran's funeral. We cannot replace it if it is lost, destroyed, or stolen. However, some veterans' organizations or other community groups may be able to help you get another flag.
How Should the Burial Flag Be Displayed?
The proper way to display the flag depends upon whether the casket is open or closed. VA Form 27-2008 provides the correct method for displaying and folding the flag. The burial flag is not suitable for outside display because of its size and fabric. It is made of cotton and can easily be damaged by weather.
For More Information Call Toll-Free at 1-800-827-1000
Mattoax Cemetery is located off Chula Road and 616 in Amelia County and offers gravesites for purchase to those needing a space or spaces for their family burials. It is called the Mattoax Cemetery Association which means when you purchase graves or a grave there you become part of the Association and basically own a part of the property. You may contact Jim Hix at Hillsman-Hix Funeral Home 804-561-2521 or Steve Arthur at 804-561-2416 to visit and purchase a lot there. The cost presently for each grave is $500, and the cemetery does require the use of a concrete liner or concrete vault for an interment. This is required for maintenance as the grave will sink and will require constant attention if one is not used. If you wish to visit the cemetery the address is the 14500 block of Mason Lane, Amelia, VA 23002. The cemetery is on your left soon after you turn onto Mason Lane from Genito Road.
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