Quote Originally Posted by Chas View Post
Civilians can also be patriots. There is the famous quote, "They also serve, who only stand and wait." In the UK, many non-military people are buried under a Union Flag. Is that not possible in the US?
Chas,
It's been the custom in the U.S. to honor military veterans (and some long-serving civil servants/elected officials) with the national flag on their coffin. An ordinary citizen is not normally accorded such an honor and, given the tradition, many people would be confused if they knew the deceased had never served (either in the military or civil office). Even rarer is a funeral with a different flag (state, city or other organization). I have seen it done once with a church flag (white with a red cross in a blue field in the upper left) for a long-serving pastor.


Drac,
I'd use your own flag for your box. It has more relevance to your military service than your grandfather's flag. I would go along with MoR in suggesting you save his flag for your own funeral. Just make sure your family knows your wishes in that regard. Just my US$0.02.