Note: Never place two or more flags or a flag and flowers on a casket (unless the flag is folded). First responders could also opt for their local flag or their respective Thin Line novelty flag. Nationally elected officials receive the American flag, with state and local officials also authorized their respective Indian Nation, state, territory, county, and city flags to replace the national if the deceased/next of kin so desires. As mentioned above, the large star flag is for military veterans, etc. Who is Authorized a Flag on Their Casket?Īll American citizens are authorized the small star (bull) flag on their casket. The large star interment flag should not be for sale to the public. All other flag companies that are not authorized to manufacture the large-star interment flag may only manufacture the small star or Civilian Internment Flag (the term coined by a friend and ceremonial colleague of mine) offered for general sale and use. These large star interment flags are for military veterans, elected officials, and federal law enforcement officers who serve in the Department of Homeland Security and others. These flags are procured from the Post Office by funeral directors for the deceased with a valid DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and death certificate. There are only six companies authorized to manufacture government specification, large star, internment flags. It’s not for placing on a casket since it does not fold well and will not stay on the casket without help. There is a synthetic version of the interment flag and it is only for attaching to a halyard to fly. It should never be placed on a shipping container (used for transporting a casket in the cargo area of an aircraft). Per the Flag Code, the interment flag is only draped on a casket or transfer case. 100% wrong to place a flag on the shipping container