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Government Spec Casket Flags

Government Spec Casket Flags

Dec 16th 2024

General Info

A casket flag is a United States flag that is draped over a deceased veteran's casket or placed next to their urn to honor their military service. The flag is a symbol of national unity, sacrifice, and honor.  

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a burial flag at no cost to honor the memory of veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. The flag is made of cotton and measures 5 ft x 9.5 ft, with embroidered stars, sewn stripes, and a canvas header. It is not suitable for outdoor display due to its size and fabric.  The preferred fabric for a casket flag is cotton.

The flag is presented to the next of kin or an appropriate family member by the military chaplain at the end of the ceremony. The presentation is a deeply ceremonial moment, and each fold of the flag has symbolic meaning. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are on top, which is a reminder of the nation's motto, "In God We Trust".

Difference between a G-Spec casket flag and Commercial casket flag

A "G-Spec" casket flag is a flag made according to strict U.S. government specifications, meaning it meets specific standards for size, material, and construction, while a "regular" casket flag may not adhere to these exact government standards, potentially having slight variations in quality or details both are typically the same size (5' x 9.5') and used to drape over a casket at a military funeral, but the G-Spec flag is considered the official government-approved version.

Quality and construction:

Often features higher quality materials and construction compared to a standard casket flag, with details like larger embroidered stars and reinforced headers.