Burial Flag Display Case – Army

Burial Flag Display Case – Army Details

• Stained a rich mahogany, with thick, solid glass insert to protect and preserve your Veteran’s flag, and memories
• Designed to hold the official American Veteran burial flag which measures 5′ x 9.5′. Easy open back with strong metal clips and felt lined base to prevent scratches
• Outside dimensions measure 26 inch x 13 inch x 3.5 inch and weighs approximately 5 pounds
• Features an officially licensed US Army medallion set in matting with gold trim
• Cases are also available for Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard
• Assembled in Kansas City, Missouri

The history of the Burial Flag Display Case- Army and shadow box may have it’s roots in British Naval Tradition going back to the 1700s.  The British sailors seem to have adopted it to show and celebrate the sailor’s accomplishments during their time in service.

The Shadow Box and Naval Tradition

In the British Navy, if a retired sailor’s shadow touched land before their body, many considered it to be a bad omen. To prevent this, the crew mates of the retired sailor would construct a box to house his ‘shadow’. This shadow box/flag display case was constructed of sturdy materials available on the ship, and it would contain small souvenirs of the retired sailor’s accomplishments and travels around the world. Sailors would often spend their entire careers aboard one ship. So constructing box from materials taken from the ship itself gave it more significance to the retired sailor. Once ashore for the final time, at a formal ceremony, the retired sailor was presented with the shadow box.

Importance of the Shadow Box/Burial Flag Display Case

Shadow boxes are an important display of an individual’s military career. Whether military or civilian, by examining the box, they should get an understanding of what the sailor had accomplished. Furthermore, as a symbol of the nation itself, who that sailor dutifully,  its flag is placed in the box. Eventually, this tradition spread outside the Navy to all branches of the US Armed Forces.

The Flag Folding Ceremony

When a veteran passes away, the navy gave the family its nation’s flag, symbolizing the veterans’ commitment to their country.  And to the veteran themselves, the national flag symbolizes the nation itself. A solemn occasion, the folding of the burial flag has incredible meaning when examining the meaning of the folds.  While these meanings might vary, the overall intent remains the same.

The Meaning Behind Each Fold

According to goatlocker.org, the first fold of the flag symbolizes thirteen colonies and our nation’s founders. Secondly, a fold to salute to those killed during the Revolutionary War. Thirdly, a fold in memory of those killed in the War of 1812.  Fourthly, a fold for those killed on both sides of the Civil War.  Fifthly a fold in tribute to those killed in World War I.  Sixthly a fold for those killed in World War II.   The seventh fold represents the First Marine Division’s service in the Korean War.  The eighth fold is to honor those killed in Vietnam.

The ninth, is for those killed in the 9/11 attacks and in the War on Terror. The tenth fold is for our nation’s police, firefighters, first responders, doctors and nurses. The eleventh fold represents the commitment to God, parents and family. And the twelfth fold honors the men and women currently serving in our Armed Forces.  And lastly, the thirteenth fold represents the freedom and honor with which the veteran served. With the flag completely folded, stars up for the national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Click the following link to find how to obtain a Burial Flag for your loved one who served: Eligibility and steps to obtain Flag from VA

Read the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Blog Post about Medal of Honor recipient, Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr.: “Corporal Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr”.