I found a large American Flag today, on a Flea Market table. I dont know how large as I havn't unfolded it. It's not correctly folded so for now I've placed it in a sturdy and new plastic bag. I showed it to a friend and, a couple Vets at the Market, have confirmed, it was draped over a Veterans casket. I am told these flags are donated by the White House for the Veterans. I snagged it instantly when the Vendor told me it was $3.00. Would there be any issues should I decide to fly it someday where I may live ? I plan on keeping it so long as doing so is not disrespectful of a Veteran. Thank you in advance and I will check back in later this evening. Oh and would anyone know the size of this flag ?

how precisely do they know it was draped over a casket?

Casket flags are 5'x9 1/2' IIRC. You can fly it. Or donate it to a VSO that assists with Veteran Burials. I know when we prepare for flag retirements we keep an eye out for casket flags that look unused. The American Legion post then reuses them for burials for those who can not afford one. We occasionally see such flags. I suspect they come from "orphan" retirees who have passed.

How many stars?

Pre-1959 were 48 star. It was 49 star only briefly. I've never seen one IRL.

Used to get those flags from the Post Office.

quote:

Originally posted by detroit192:
Casket flags are 5'x9 1/2' IIRC. You can fly it. Or donate it to a VSO that assists with Veteran Burials. I know when we prepare for flag retirements we keep an eye out for casket flags that look unused. The American Legion post then reuses them for burials for those who can not afford one. We occasionally see such flags. I suspect they come from "orphan" retirees who have passed.

Casket flag is 5’ x 9&1/2’ and material is cotton, as those are easier to fold instead of a polyester or nylon (all-weather) flown from a pole.

quote:

Originally posted by detroit192:
Casket flags are 5'x9 1/2' IIRC. You can fly it. Or donate it to a VSO that assists with Veteran Burials. I know when we prepare for flag retirements we keep an eye out for casket flags that look unused. The American Legion post then reuses them for burials for those who can not afford one. We occasionally see such flags. I suspect they come from "orphan" retirees who have passed.

While this flag looks to be in great condition, the little I have seen of its white areas, as folded, are not perfectly clean. Would they have a means of cleaning it should it be reused ? As it stands I'd like to keep it but otherwise I would take it to them and see if its useable.

quote:

Originally posted by Fenris:
How many stars?

Pre-1959 were 48 star. It was 49 star only briefly. I've never seen one IRL.

There was a 48 star flag at the Market last week. The Vendor who is a Veteran, got upset at a guy who offered a dollar for it then made some wise ass comment to the effect of " Fold that s..t".

quote:

Originally posted by David Lee:

quote:

Originally posted by detroit192:
Casket flags are 5'x9 1/2' IIRC. You can fly it. Or donate it to a VSO that assists with Veteran Burials. I know when we prepare for flag retirements we keep an eye out for casket flags that look unused. The American Legion post then reuses them for burials for those who can not afford one. We occasionally see such flags. I suspect they come from "orphan" retirees who have passed.

While this flag looks to be in great condition, the little I have seen of its white areas, as folded, are not perfectly clean. Would they have a means of cleaning it should it be reused ? As it stands I'd like to keep it but otherwise I would take it to them and see if its useable.

I guess it could be spot cleaned. If it is cotton I would not fly it outside. Nylon and polyester are the outdoors flag material. Cotton will fade quicker and if it gets wet needs to dried fully to avoid mold and mildew before being folded and stowed. You could always get a case and display it indoors too.

BTW, just to be clear I am not a member of the American Legion, the Auxillary, or Sons of the American Legion nor am I eligible as I have never served.

Casket flags apparently have the official aspect ratio of 1:1.9; most "home" flags are either 3'x5', 4'x6', or 5'x8', none of which is the official ratio. Nevertheless, any US Flag in good condition is legal to use, in accordance with the Flag Code (hopefully). As mentioned, cotton Flags are not the best for outdoor use.

flashguy

It is indeed 100% cotton bunting and made in California. I determined it is 5 feet wide but havn't measured its length. The flag is clean except the border area next to where it would attach to a pole, that is just less than perfect white. It has brass eyelets. Its a beauty!

quote:

Originally posted by flashguy:
Casket flags apparently have the official aspect ratio of 1:1.9; most "home" flags are either 3'x5', 4'x6', or 5'x8', none of which is the official ratio. Nevertheless, any US Flag in good condition is legal to use, in accordance with the Flag Code (hopefully). As mentioned, cotton Flags are not the best for outdoor use.

flashguy

David, it does measure 5 by 9 1/2 feet. Only the blue field shows some dirt. I have to check and see if dry cleaning is proper. I talked with a Marine Vet today and he said @ $3.00 I got a deal.