Old Glory

[GVSURob]

My grandmother gave me my grandfathers flag that covered the coffin at his funeral (WWII bomber pilot). Is it considered "unpatriotic" to unfold it and hang it on the wall in my bedroom? I could always head up to walmart and buy one of those wooden triangles with the glass front that fits the flag. Any thoughts?

Rob

 

[PropStop]

I'd not hang a flag like that on my wall. I'd fly it from a pole every 4th of July, Flag Day, Veterans day. That's just me though.

 

[GVSURob]

Good idea! I'd definately do that if i didn't live in an apartment with no flag pole

 

[PropStop]

buy one of those small ones that mounts on your deck railing.

Or keep it till you can fly it. Get another one from walmart (one made in the USA, NOT CHINA!!!!!!) to hang on your wall.

 

[skidkid]

I would keep it folded since that is the way a grateful nation presented it. you can get very nice cases for it.

 

[jg5343]

NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER UNFOLD IT! Once folded it should remain that way forever. It has a symbology to it and should be preserved in this manner. Put together a shadowbox for it, that's what I did with my Grandpa's, and hang it (the shadow box) on the wall if you want to honor him.

 

[gagirl]

I would NEVER unfold it. To me that particular flag seems kind of sacred. Hard luck to unfold it! I would definitely put it in a triangle shaped shadowbox andhang that from the wall. I would leave it the same way it was taken off your grandpa's coffin. You never know it may also upset your grandmother to know you unfolded it. By giving it to you she is assuming you'll take care of it. I'd buy a separate one for the wall.
Let us know what you decide.
gagirl

 

[GVSURob]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I've decided to buy the wood box with glass front to display his flag. I wasn't sure if it was "unpatriotic" to unfold it, or if you are supposed to unfold it, etc. I figured there were flag "rules" however I've never known anyone that has one so I figured someone here would know. Thanks everyone!

Rob

 

[wink]

Seems GVSU has his answer. I have another thought though. It isn't official, but as someone who has presented a flag to deceased veteran's family, I always thought of the flag being "retired", to repose, not unlike the deceased veteran.

 

[Sabre170]

I would keep it in the best condition possible in a glass case (one star on top and threee stars on the bottom), and when the time comes make it a family heirloom. Pass it on and I would diffently pass on the following MP3 by John Wayne discribing the flag (Red Skelton also has a good Pledge of Allegiance).

Goto

http://www.pro-american.com/Free_Music/free_music.html#Cadences

and select
"John Wayne The Flag (1.48 MB)" and
"Red Skelton's Pledge of Alligiance (3.88 MB)"

 

[fc2spyguy]

Ok, just going to add my thoughts to this one. I've personally presented more of these flags than I prefer to. I am the POIC for the Honor Guard at my detatchment and we do all of the military honors for the Navy in southern New Mexico. First, if there is one star and three stars consider yourself lucky. No matter how many times you practice folding those flags they RARELY come out perfect. I think in the over 50 that I've done there have been 4 or 5 that the fold came out absolutely perfect. After all, not even 8 people folding President Reagans flag got it right. But onto the topic of the thread. I would definately not unfold it. I tend to think that it is retired like sabre. I don't believe there are any rules or at least have never come accross them regarding the flag that is presented by the military.

 

[GVSURob]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their input. I didn't think I'd get half as many responses as those listed above. Like I said earlier, I plan on "retiring" it to the box... 1 star up and 3 down (I never knew it was rare to find a good fold but this one is perfect!). Thanks everyone, and happy holidays.

Rob

 

[flynsail]

Ok, just going to add my thoughts to this one. I've personally presented more of these flags than I prefer to. I am the POIC for the Honor Guard at my detatchment and we do all of the military honors for the Navy in southern New Mexico. First, if there is one star and three stars consider yourself lucky. No matter how many times you practice folding those flags they RARELY come out perfect. I think in the over 50 that I've done there have been 4 or 5 that the fold came out absolutely perfect. After all, not even 8 people folding President Reagans flag got it right. But onto the topic of the thread. I would definately not unfold it. I tend to think that it is retired like sabre. I don't believe there are any rules or at least have never come accross them regarding the flag that is presented by the military.

I have to disagree with this. It definitely does not apply to all ceremonial details. When I was prior E, I had the privilege of being on funeral detail for 3 years. It was an honor, and a rewarding collateral duty. Our flags would be folded either perfect or very close to perfect. I can only count a handful of flags that were noticeably incorrect, and that was also out of 50+ funerals.

Only one can I recall where it was such a terrible fold. It was an embarassing experience and one I will never forget, especially considering the prestigious background of the deceased member.

Not sure why your folds came out less than perfect, but that it not the norm from what I have experienced.

GVSURob,

Choosing the box is a good choice. I am unaware of any flag etiquette that would give you the correct way to display the flag. However, there must be a very symbolic reason for folding the flag at the funeral and presenting it to the family. As long as you feel proud of how you display it and it honors the sacrifices of your Grandfather, do as you feel right.