Enter the file description here
Click on the graphic on the left to download the file.
Veterans Burial Flags
A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who served honorably in the U. S. Armed Forces. It is furnished to honor the memory of a veteran's military service to his or her country. VA will furnish a burial flag for memorialization for:
- A veteran who served during wartime
- A veteran who died on active duty after May 27, 1941
- A veteran who served after January 31, 1955
- A peacetime veteran who was discharged or released before June 27, 1950
- Certain persons who served in the organized military forces of the Commonwealth of the Philippines while in service of the U.S. Armed Forces and who died on or after April 25, 1951
- Certain former members of the Selected Reserves
Who Is Eligible to Receive the Burial Flag?
Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service. When there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making request for it. For those VA national cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags, families of veterans buried in these national cemeteries may donate the burial flags of their loved ones to be flown on patriotic holidays.
How Can You Apply?
You may apply for the flag by completing VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes. You may get a flag at any VA regional office or U.S. Post Office. Generally, the funeral director will help you obtain the flag.
Can a Burial Flag Be Replaced?
The law allows us to issue one flag for a veteran's funeral. We cannot replace it if it is lost, destroyed, or stolen. However, some veterans' organizations or other community groups may be able to help you get another flag.
How Should the Burial Flag Be Displayed?
The proper way to display the flag depends upon whether the casket is open or closed. VA Form 27-2008 provides the correct method for displaying and folding the flag. The burial flag is not suitable for outside display because of its size and fabric. It is made of cotton and can easily be damaged by weather.
For More Information Call Toll-Free at 1-800-827-1000
Fafeal R. Himdead 1818 - 1 918
A good man has moved on
Poncernela Sanford
It is with heavy hearts that the Sanford and Harris Families announce the passing of Miss Poncernela “Ponci” Dynise Sanford of Riverside, California. Ponci passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Riverside Community Hospital. She was the oldest daughter of the late USAF SSgt. Joseph and Burnethel “BB” Gaines Sanford. Ponci is survived by her sister, Respondia “Dia” Sanford Poole of Las Vegas, Nevada; maternal aunts: Mrs. Annie Grace Gaines McNeal of Attapulgus, Georgia, and Mrs. Mary Gaines Kimbrough of Tuskegee, Alabama; paternal aunt Mrs. Millie Fielder of Tampa, Florida; and many cousins and dear friends.
Visitation:
Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Rubidoux Mortuary, 6091 Mission Blvd., Riverside, CA 92509
Funeral Services:
Wednesday, February 12, 2025, St. Paul Primitive Baptist Church, 4562 Fowlstown Rd., Attapulgus, GA 39815
Viewing: 11:30 a.m. and Service: 12:00 p.m.
Officiant: Elder Lee E. Harris, Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida
Livestream: The service will be streamed on the Collins Family Mortuary Facebook page.
Interment:
Elisha and Mary Harris Garden of Peace Cemetery, Attapulgus-Faceville Road, Attapulgus, Georgia 39815
Please continue to keep the Family in prayer. Condolences may be sent to Dia S. Poole, P.O. Box 230311, Las Vegas, NV 89105.
Nearby hotels:
1) Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Bainbridge, 1413 Tallahassee Highway, Bainbridge, GA, 39819, Phone: (229) 246-6771
2) Hampton Inn Bainbridge, 1522 Tallahassee Highway, Bainbridge, Georgia, 39819, Phone: (229) 246-1341
© 2026 Hemphill Mortuary. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility