Is there a proper way to rededicate a flag after funeral services are rendered?

2018-05-04T23:37:24-04:00

Rallypoint,

My grandfather, Fc2 Clyde Jacob Yuhas (US Navy; USS Butte APA-68) of Helena, MT passed away in 1969. Last year (2017), I had recovered his flag from my Aunt. I am the only immediate family member that has served in the US military so it made sense that I began to recover his records and other personal objects that relate to his history of military service. Unfortunately, when I received his flag, I discovered that it was not folded correctly. There is red showing.

I'm unsure of why it was unfolded and refolded but it is wrong and it's quite an eye sore. He served during WW2, I confirmed this with a muster roll document received from my extended family of the USS Butte during 1939 and 1940. While he is not highly decorated, he is in-fact a wartime veteran. There was also talk that he was involved with the Korean war but I am unable to confirm this with proof.

We have a HUGE family reunion coming up in Montana this summer. I want to ensure I follow tradition 100% and to not disrespect my Grandfather's life, service or grave by holding a formal ceremony to correct his flag over his grave in Helena, MT; along with a rededication of his own flag to him. However, (if this ceremony is ethically and morally acceptable) I want to follow US Flag code and certainly US Navy regulation when it comes to something like this. The plan is to reach out to the VFW and Legion Posts in the Helena area to help with this ceremony. As well as anyone who served alongside with Clyde to be present if they are alive. There is belief that he was drafted, so we think other people that may have known him may be in the Helena area, but I am unable to confirm this as well.

If this ceremony is prohibited, or certain traditions need to remain a certain way or modified; myself and the rest of the Yuhas & Freeman family would appreciate to know. I served with Massachusetts Honor Guard Region 3 a couple of summers ago and understand the importance and respect when it comes to honor guard detail. I just can't seem to find regulation and proper SOP when it comes to rededicating someone's flag.

To futher clarify- there were two USS Buttes launched in the Navy, both now decommissioned: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Butte

Here is the document showing his name on an old muster roll (if you are a Fold3 member): https://www.fold3.com/document/303278196

Thank you all. Again, I am speaking on behalf of my family in regards to his flag as we are planning our reunion right now.

~ SGT Yuhas

USS Butte - Wikipedia

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made May 4 at 2018 11:40 PM

2018-05-04T23:40:56-04:00

SGT Jacob Yuhas: You are VERY GOOD.

Response by SGT Jacob Yuhas made May 4 at 2018 11:56 PM

2018-05-04T23:56:48-04:00

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member and COL Mikel J. Burroughs,

It would be greatly appreciated if you two have any guidance here. Please let me know.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 5 at 2018 1:23 AM

2018-05-05T01:23:59-04:00

If you were fortunate enough to recieve the services of a “Burial” team that would be supercool. Funeral directors or most ARNG sites should be able to provide further guidance.

I am personally touched by your concern, thank you for caring. CSM Charles Hayden / 5-4-2018

Response by TSgt John Marshall made May 5 at 2018 5:40 AM

2018-05-05T05:40:49-04:00

There is no disrespect issue to unfold and refold the flag. None at all. You do not even have to let anyone know that it is folded incorrectly. A VSO honor guard is a good option. You can also check out law enforcement and fire departments in the local area. Refolding a is a great way to honor the sacrifice.

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made May 6 at 2018 11:03 AM

2018-05-06T11:03:48-04:00

I attended the Honor Guard school taught by the Old Guard at P.E.C. located at Camp Robinson Little Rock AK.
As part of our final test we did a refold on a flag that had been folded the wrong way during WWII after the service member had been killed in action.
we did the refold at a gazebo located near the Veterans grave site with the family members that were available in attendance. when we done with refold we hand the flag back to the family.
there wasn't any super special that had to be done other than unfolding and then turning the flag the correct way and folding the flag the correct way. doing the refold as team for the family was of great comfort to them and a great honor for us to have been able to do it.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made May 6 at 2018 9:50 PM

2018-05-06T21:50:35-04:00

If for some bizarre reason you are unable to get assistance from the VFW, etc, and would like a Veteran to assist with the ceremony, let me know. I have two brothers (one a Veteran and one currently serving) as well as several other family & friends in Montana who would be honored to assist.

Response by PO1 Jimm Mooney made Mar 11 at 2019 5:57 PM

2019-03-11T17:57:09-04:00

Rededicating and re-folding the flag at a memorial service at the cemetery is no problem....but I wouldn't necessarily even bring up the fact its folded incorrectly. Contact John Bibler at the Cemetery in Helena. He works at the cemetery so he can help with anything you need at the Cemetery. He is also involved with the Local Legion there too I believe, but as a vet himself he can certainly help you get connected with the Vets Community there for additional Honors etc as well.

If you need his contact info, message me and I will pass it along. We are personal friends so feel free to use my name when contacting him.

Response by Maryam Bello made Aug 4 at 2023 8:06 PM

2023-08-04T20:06:23-04:00

Though this post is from five years ago, I want to extend my sympathies for the loss of your grandfather. It's evident how much he meant to you, and your efforts to honor his military service are commendable.
A rededication ceremony, if carried out ethically and morally, can be a beautiful tribute. Following US Flag code and Navy regulations is important, and involving the VFW, Legion Posts, and possible comrades from his time of service in Helena would make it even more meaningful.
As time has passed, I hope you were able to arrange a fitting ceremony and find more information about his service. If you ever consider memorial options, flat headstones with pictures https://mattosmonuments.com/flat-headstones-gravestones-and-memorials/ could add a personal touch to his resting place.

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