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

I suspect Grandfather would feel honored that this happened.

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!

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

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......

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.

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.

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.

I would think his grandfather would be honored by it.

I say go for it!

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.