Is it disrespectful to use a burial flag as a reenlistment flag?

SSG James Elmore — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 01:06:07 -0400

Response by SSG James Elmore made Apr 28 at 2017 1:06 AM

SSG James Elmore — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 01:06:28 -0400

My soldier is up for reenlistment and the whole reason he join the army was an honor of his grandfather. His grandfather passed away after 18 years in service and he asked me if it would be considered disrespectful to use the flag from his grandfather's burial as the flag that is held during his reenlistment. I want to know what everyone's opinion is on this......

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Apr 28 at 2017 1:08 AM

TSgt Joe C. — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 01:08:30 -0400

I say go for it!

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Apr 28 at 2017 1:19 AM

LT Brad McInnis — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 01:19:24 -0400

I had a CO that explained his reasoning on re-enlistments. He said that there is nothing greater than a re-enlistment and that anything goes as long as there aren't regs against it. If the re-enlistee wanted to do it, then do it. This CO hated heights, and one of our sailors wanted to get re-enlisted by the CO on the highest yardarm at sea. The CO sucked it up, did it (while shaking almost uncontrollably) and the sailor had a blast. So, if the soldier wants the flag, and it means something, then absolutely!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Apr 28 at 2017 1:45 AM

SN Greg Wright — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 01:45:43 -0400

The only thing I can think of MORE respectful would be to use it to be buried himself. Tell him to use it, and hold his head high.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2017 7:09 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 07:09:56 -0400

I suspect Grandfather would feel honored that this happened.

Response by SGT David T. made Apr 28 at 2017 7:59 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 07:59:01 -0400

I can't think of a greater honor to that Soldier's grandfather.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Apr 28 at 2017 8:08 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 08:08:05 -0400

Face it, a flag is a flag, purely a material symbol. Flags get used for many things over the span of their use. In reality, you generally have no idea what other things a flag at a function may have been used for. I'd consider it an honor to be reenlisted with a flag that had been used as a burial flag if that particular flag had some meaning to me.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Apr 28 at 2017 9:09 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 09:09:02 -0400

I would think his grandfather would be honored by it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2017 9:45 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 09:45:57 -0400

Based on what you wrote, tell your Soldier to not even think twice about it and USE THAT FLAG. I'm sure his Grandfather would be looking down with all kinds of pride.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 28 at 2017 9:58 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 09:58:51 -0400

Well I didn't see the post that went with this. After reading some of the comments I searched and found the reasoning behind using his grandfathers burial flag. I would say "Wear it out son!" I think it would show respect to the grandfather to do this!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 28 at 2017 10:28 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 10:28:25 -0400

Go for it, but remember a burial flag is different from a regular flag in several ways. It's longer vs. height than standard and not made to fly in the open weather. The cotton weave is rather weak and the flag will start shredding the the wind. The cotton, weave, and stitching are purposely designed to look great on a coffin, with no concern for outdoor use. Typically on an indoor flag pole, the extra length is likely to touch the ground, so you'll need to elevate the pole. Bottom line, do whatever to keep the heirloom safe and displayed correctly. BTW, I used my Dad's 48 star wool flag at one of my promotions. He was too infirmed to make the trip, so we took pictures for him. Tear came to the SEL's eye over it, although you'd never get him to admit it. "Just got something in my eye, Commander." Then we both smiled as I had a tear in mine too.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2017 12:21 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 12:21:33 -0400

Why on earth would it be???

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2017 3:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 15:18:59 -0400

If it means something to the Soldier reenlisting then go for it. That is going to be one of the high points of their military career. What an honor and way for the fallen service member to be able top be a part of that memory.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2017 9:27 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 21:27:02 -0400

it would be the greatest honor, in my opinion, utmost respect.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Apr 28 at 2017 9:51 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 21:51:04 -0400

Hopefully it can become a family tradition where the flag can be passed from generation to generation as an memento of the family's service to our nation. When it becomes unserviceable, have it framed with a brass plate listing each event for which it was utilized.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 28 at 2017 10:39 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 22:39:48 -0400

SSG James Elmore Wow! Now that is a Question, Need some fine tooth combing thru the Regs to Figure Out for Sure But I would say No, It should be Kosher, Sounds Like an Honorable Reuse .

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 30 at 2017 6:55 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 18:55:57 -0400

I can see both sides of the issue, but personally I don't think it is disrespectful. I see it more as a carrying on the traditions of those who came before us and as it is a burial flag, it's obviously someone who came before us. Not to mention, I'm assuming the person buried was someone significant to you either a family member or someone who shaped your development. No one just gets handed a burial flag for nothing. There's always significance attached to it. So to me, I see it as you are doing a very honorable thing indeed.

Response by PO2 Josh Taylor made May 1 at 2017 6:15 PM

PO2 Josh Taylor — Mon, 01 May 2017 18:15:54 -0400

I think this would be a great honor to use that flag. If I had the opportunity I would have used my grandfather's flag and I feel that NOTHING would have made him prouder.

Response by SSG Johnnie Vaughn made May 1 at 2017 6:22 PM

SSG Johnnie Vaughn — Mon, 01 May 2017 18:22:47 -0400

I can't imagine anything more respectful or honorable.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 5:37 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 May 2017 17:37:26 -0400

Yes !