What is an ideal flag size for a retirement presentation & shadow box?

Capt J A — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 00:29:52 -0500

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 12:36 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 00:36:21 -0500

I have a 5x8 and it looks great in a standard shadow box case.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Feb 1 at 2016 12:37 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 00:37:34 -0500

Depends on the box. My uncle's flag that was on his coffin was 5' X 9.5', but they make boxes for each of the sizes you listed. See:

http://www.displays2go.com/P-17396/Military-Flag-Display-Case-with-Stand-Black-Finish

Flag Case w/ Base For Tabletop Or Wall Mounting

These military shadow boxes, American flag cases are a fantastic gift for veterans. These products are also available in oak and cherry from this site. All of the American flag cases come with a pedestal for displaying the box.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 1 at 2016 12:51 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 00:51:10 -0500

OK, I'm going for small as that's what mine will be. Doing turnover and retiring when Ops are going on, I didn't get a shadow box. Years later a friend heard I didn't have one so he made one which was a fairly large rectangle but with a small triangle in the corner for a flag. So only the 3x5 fits. Also consider the larger the flag, the larger the stars which might not count out right when folding. So get what fits and looks nice. Now 13 years later, I'll have to get around to loading my shadow box up. Have some good ideas beyond the normal fruit salad.

Seid was talking about a funeral flag. They are non standard size being much longer so the flag drapes and folds around a coffin well. They are typically cotton and not made to hoist and fly because they're fragile. I have my dad's funeral flag along with a wool 48 star one which I'll have to figure out a nice display solution. They will go with his CoE "Castle Flag".

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 2:57 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 02:57:58 -0500

I'd recommend the 3x5, as it fits in most boxes without taking over a wall. They are easily found for purchase. Make sure you spring the few extra bucks and get the embroidered flag instead of the printed flags. I like the boxes that have the flag in a corner or in a peak in the top, leaving the balance to display badges, medals, etc.

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Feb 1 at 2016 3:15 AM

SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 03:15:42 -0500

One of the things you get as part of the retirement process is a flag

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 1 at 2016 5:22 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 05:22:42 -0500

I don't know but I'm not given mine up. Flown from the Mast when we crossed that date line and equator at the same time. My Flag was flying when I became a Golden Shellback. I love it!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 1:46 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 13:46:47 -0500

Traditionally, it's the 5x8 that has covered the service member's coffin. However, 3x5s have become very common as presentation flags if they flew over a government building, forward operating post, or larger military installation. Considering that this is, as you say, for a retirement, I would suggest that it be a usual flag that has been flown over the last duty station or ship at or upon which this person served.