we have one of those too-- sitting on a shelf. i don't really want to hang it, so it's fine there...

i have a sil who has her dad's flag- she plans to fly it someday soon on their flag pole... it won't last forever (or even too long) like that, but she feels that's what flags are made to do and it'll honor her dad while flying!

Folded and displayed in a box is the correct way

Thanks for that, Rob. I have Dad's flag in it's triangular box. It's been on a shelf, and that's where it will go in our new home, too.

sure sushi! I grew up in a military family (my dad was in for over 20 years, every uncle, brother, nephew (one was just sworn in yesterday, no less!)) and the flag is fairly regarded as a living being by them, and treated as such, but it could just be the other end of a reasonable spectrum? I don't think there are rules (unlike the flying of the flag), so you probably could unfold it.

i know and she knows... but this is a 'rule' that she's fine with breaking! :)

"On a shelf" doesn't have to mean hidden away. I have my father's standing upright (so the flag is seen) among other mementos of his life, all displayed on top of an armoire in a guest bedroom.

Yes, our flag has been (and will be) displayed "on a shelf". Dad was WWII and long time reservist, too.

We have 2 and had oak cases made for them. The cases each have a brass plate with their name, branch and dates. This picture isn't straight on, but you can see them from the side. My father-in-law's is on top with a picture frame that says Family and has 3 pictures in it. My great uncle's is on the bottom with a picture of him and one of his planes, and a picture of the 2 of us together a few years back. I have a Jim Shores eagle above hung them.

I'm not saying it's against the laws or rules to open the flag. What I am saying is military consider it highly disrespectful to the deceased if you open their flag. You may or may not get looks and or comments if someone knows you've done this. I'm not preaching to you, merely warning things can spark up. (((hugs to you!)))

VA National Cemeteries accept donated burial flags to fly on patriotic holidays. No entity is more respectful of our Nation's veterans...

Agree nightowl. The cemetery where my father ( a WWII veteran, MIA, POW and Purple Heart ( recipient) is buried flys the burial flags on Veterans Day with the help of the local VFW.

that sounds like another great option, nightowl!

The burial flag is sized to top a coffin. It is not the same size or shape as a true flag that is meant to be flown, I doubt they have any grommets for flying either. However, according to the American Legion's website re flag advocacy and display, there are no provisions in the Flag Code that say or suggest it would be unfitting to display a burial flag after it's original use.

Thanks for this information. Rob--I had no idea--thanks for sharing that. In fact I'm embarrassed that I didn't know.

Thanks for everyone else's suggestions and comments. I will also look into a VA cemetery.

If nothing else I need to make a bigger deal with my kids that we have this flag in our home. Its been a fixture since before they were born. We currently do not have a family member serving in the military. My FIL served but not during war times and he's humble about his service. On my side of the family, the older relatives who served during war never talked about it. It was only after my great uncle died that we learned of his military honors. He didn't have children which is why I inherited his flag.

So it will stay folded for now as I clearly have some research to do.

The cemeteries in my hometown have an avenue of flags that are flown on Memorial day -maybe veterans day also. These are flags that have been donated by veterans families.

You shouldn't be embarrassed you didn't know, it's unlikely to be a mainstream thought. It's the only reason I spoke up. (((hugs to you still!)))

I think flying them at cemeteries is quite respectful. That is a great alternate idea. At least they're gracing those who have fallen.

My father was killed in Vietnam. I have a flag for/from him. When the troops left for the Iraq War I took my dad's flag out of the box in a show of support for the troops and hung it next to the porch door. I felt he would like that, knowing how most veterans were greeted when they came back from Vietnam.

When my mom and step-father (also a Vietnam veteran) came down for a visit, both cried when they saw it. Mom said she felt like there was "a part of him supporting the young boys". Everyone from the neighbors to delivery men remarked what a wonderful tribute from a fallen soldier- you can tell because the proportions are different than a standard flag. The moment I noticed any wear, my children and I refolded it. I still occasionally pull it out for Memorial Day.

If anyone was offended, no one ever shared it with me. I guess they felt like my heart was in the right place.

Thank you to all that serve.

Heather

I have a boxed flag given to my son when he became an Eagle Scout. It flew over the White House. Mine is proud and loud in front of our fireplace box, on the hearth during the "patriotic summer". Next to it I also have a large picture of him. I agree with other posters who say it isn't the box it is where you have the box sitting that is the issue. Recently I was thinking of my dad, when he dies his casket will be draped in the flag, thanking him for his 20+ year military career. Vietnam vet. I wonder if my siblings will fight over it.

I too have a 5' x 9-1/2' flag that draped my fathers casket who was WWII veteran. I want to honor him on special occasions and fly his flag. It's much better seen than sitting encased on my bookshelf. I don't have a proper flag pole so I intend to fly the flag via a helium balloon. From my internet search I think I'll atleast a 96" balloon filled with helium. This is based on a total weight of 8 lbs (Flag, balloon, and cord). Has anyone done this before? Any feedback will be appreciated.

You might check on proper flag etiquette before purchasing a balloon.

The balloon idea is simply bizarre. Only response to that is NO.