How To Display a Casket Flag at Home After a Military Funeral

The American flag draped over a veteran's casket is one of the most powerful symbols of service and sacrifice. After the funeral, the flag is folded into a triangle and presented to the next of kin. From that point, the flag becomes a family heirloom, and how it is displayed at home matters.

There are several proper ways to present a casket flag in your home. Here is what to know about each option.

What a Casket Flag Represents

A casket flag, also called a burial flag or interment flag, is provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs at no cost for eligible veterans. The flag drapes the casket during the funeral service and is folded with military precision into a tight triangle showing only the blue field and white stars. It is then presented to the family, usually with the words "On behalf of a grateful nation."

The flag is a tangible recognition of the veteran's service. It is not a decorative item. The way it is displayed at home should reflect the same respect given during the presentation ceremony.

Who Receives a Casket Flag

The VA provides burial flags for veterans who served during wartime, completed a term of enlistment, or were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The flag is typically presented to the next of kin. If there is no next of kin, the flag may go to a close friend or associate of the veteran.

Only one flag is issued per veteran. If the flag is damaged or deteriorated over time, the VA does not provide a replacement. That makes proper display and care especially important. Colonial Flag carries American flags in all standard sizes if a family needs an additional flag for a separate display.

Display Options

Triangle Display Case

The most traditional option is a triangular flag case, usually made of hardwood (walnut, oak, or cherry) with a glass front. The case holds the folded flag in its triangular form, protecting it from dust, moisture, and UV damage while keeping it visible. Triangle cases are sized specifically for burial flags (5x9.5 feet when unfolded) and are the most common way casket flags are displayed in American homes.

Mount the case on a wall in a place of honor: a living room, study, or dedicated memorial shelf. Avoid direct sunlight, which fades the colors over time even through glass.

Shadow Box

A shadow box is a deeper display case that holds the folded flag plus additional items: medals, rank insignia, unit patches, dog tags, photographs, or a nameplate. Shadow boxes are popular for veterans who had long careers or earned significant commendations. They turn the flag display into a complete memorial of the veteran's service.

Shadow boxes range from simple single-compartment designs to elaborate multi-section cases. Choose one with UV-protective glass and a backing material that will not off-gas acids onto the flag fabric over time (acid-free mat board is standard).

Wall Mount

Some families unfold the casket flag and display it flat against a wall, either behind glass in a full-size frame or mounted directly. This is acceptable under flag etiquette, with one important rule: the union (blue field) must be in the upper left corner as viewed from the front, whether the flag is hung horizontally or vertically.

If mounting without glass, the flag will be exposed to dust and potential damage. A framed display behind UV-protective glass is the safer long-term option.

Folded on a Shelf or Mantel

Placing the folded flag on a shelf, mantel, or table is the simplest option. Use a small display stand or cradle designed for folded flags to keep the triangle upright and stable. This works well as a temporary solution or for families who want the flag accessible rather than sealed behind glass.

Where To Place the Display

Choose a location that reflects the significance of the flag. Common choices include the living room, a home office or study, a dedicated memorial wall, or the entryway of the home. The flag should be in a place where it is visible and treated with respect, not tucked into a closet or stored in an attic.

Avoid locations with direct sunlight, high humidity, or temperature extremes. A climate-controlled room away from south-facing windows will preserve the flag's colors and fabric the longest.

Caring for a Casket Flag

If the flag is sealed in a case with UV-protective glass, it requires very little maintenance. Dust the outside of the case periodically and check the seal for moisture intrusion if the case is in a humid environment.

If the flag is displayed unframed or on an open shelf, handle it with clean, dry hands. Avoid folding and unfolding it repeatedly, as this stresses the fabric at the fold lines. If the flag needs cleaning, consult a textile conservator rather than washing it at home. Burial flags are cotton, which is more delicate than the nylon or polyester flags used for outdoor display.

What Not To Do

Do not fly a casket flag on an outdoor flagpole. Burial flags are cotton and are not designed for outdoor use. Wind, rain, and UV exposure will damage them quickly. If you want to fly a flag outdoors in honor of a veteran, purchase a separate all-weather flag for the pole and keep the casket flag indoors.

Do not store the flag in a plastic bag, which traps moisture and promotes mildew. Use acid-free tissue paper if you need to wrap the flag for storage, and keep it in a dry, temperature-stable location.

Do not cut, alter, or sew anything onto a casket flag. Adding patches, embroidery, or other modifications is considered disrespectful and can reduce the flag's significance and value as an heirloom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a replacement casket flag from the VA?

No. The VA issues one burial flag per eligible veteran. If the flag is lost or damaged, the VA does not provide a replacement. Proper display and care from the start prevents this from becoming an issue.

What size is a casket flag?

Standard casket flags are 5 feet by 9.5 feet. This is larger than the typical 3x5 residential flag. Make sure any display case you purchase is sized for a burial flag, not a standard flag.

Can a non-veteran receive a flag-draped casket?

The VA burial flag program is limited to eligible veterans and certain other categories of service members. Civilian funerals can include a flag drape using a privately purchased flag, but the VA will not provide one.

Honor the Flag With a Proper Display

A casket flag deserves a display that matches the sacrifice it represents. Whether you choose a traditional triangle case, a shadow box, or a wall-mounted frame, the right presentation preserves both the flag and the memory it carries. Browse custom display options and American flags at Colonial Flag.