Stripes and Stars on the American Flag:

Frequently Asked Question about The American Flag

• Can my company fly the US flag at half-mast for a former employee?

No. According to the Flag Code, only the president of the US or your state governor can order the US flag lowered to half-staff. You can half-staff your company flag. If everyone were to half-staff the US flag at will, the symbolic value of that honor would be lost. Another option is to display black crepe near the entrance to your building, perhaps with a photograph of the former employee.

30 days for the death of a sitting or former President. 10 days for the death of a Vice President.

• Can the US flag be flown at half staff and the state flag be flown underneath of it on the same pole?

Yes. The US flag should be at a point midway on the pole and the state flag should fly beneath it.

• When the US flag is at half-staff, do other foreign flags fly at full-staff?

Yes. "The flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff whether or not the flag of another nation is flown at full staff alongside the United States flag."

• When the flag is folded, how many stars should be showing and what do they represent? I was told that 13 stars should be shown on a field of blue representing the thirteen original colonies and that the three sides of the flag represent the three branches of our goverment.

The number of stars showing depends on many factors. Rarely have I actually seen 13 stars showing. However, when it happens, it is simply a wonderful coincidence. In any case, your interpretation is certainly wonderful. According to the SAR, the triangular shape is representative of the tri-corner hat worn by the Patriots of the American Revolution.

• What are the funeral protocols for a veteran who has died?

To honor the memory of their service to their country, a United States flag drapes the casket of deceased veterans. The field of blue is at the head and over the left shoulder. After Taps is played, the flag is carefully folded into the symbolic tricorner shape.

The folded flag is then presented as a keepsake to the next of kin (see below). Each branch of the Armed Forces uses its own wording for the presentation:

U.S. Air Force: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of (Service Member's rank and name)."

U.S. Army: "This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."

U.S. Coast Guard: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and the Coast Guard."

U.S. Marine Corps: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and Corps."

U.S. Navy: "On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to this Country and a grateful Navy."

If the next of kin wishes (ask first), add: "God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America."

At the end of the ceremony, the flag is presented to the next of kin (see next), usually by the military chaplain.

Primary Next of Kin (PNOK)

Note: If the deceased was serving on Active Duty, he/she would have appointed a PNOK in writing, for notification.

Flags for Veterans

Flags are provided for burial services of Servicemembers and Veterans. The flag for one who dies on active duty is provided by one's branch of service. Flags for other Veterans are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.