WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12), Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01), Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06), and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) introduced H.R. 3999, theAmerican Flags to Honor Our Veterans Act. This legislation recognizes our veterans and servicemembers by amending the U.S. Flag Code to allow American flags to be placed next to their graves year-round.
Municipal and private cemeteries will often remove American flags from the graves of veterans and servicemembers due to conflicting guidance in the U.S. Flag Code. When these flags are removed, they can sometimes be disposed of in an undignified and disrespectful manner. This can cause frustration and anger among Americans who believe they should be allowed to honor deceased servicemembers and veterans year-round. This legislation will allow U.S. flags to be placed in an upright position next to servicemembers’ graves throughout the year, ensuring families’ efforts to honor their deceased loved ones are respected by cemeteries.
“Veterans, servicemembers, and their families made sacrifices for our country that must be honored and remembered,” said Steil. “Families should be able to honor our veterans and fly our nation’s flag at the gravesites of those who have defended our freedom year-round. Thank you to each of my colleagues for supporting this legislation.”
“As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and a proud Marine, I believe honoring our veterans should never be limited by the squares on a calendar,” said Bost. “The American Flag is a symbol of sacrifice, and families should have the right to place one on their loved one’s grave year-round. I’m proud to support this commonsense bill ensuring our heroes receive the respect they’ve earned.”
“Families and loved ones shouldn’t have to fight to keep an American flag at the grave of someone who wore the uniform. The American Flags to Honor Our Veterans Act ensures that servicemembers can be honored with our nation’s flag 365 days a year, no matter where they’re laid to rest. It’s a respectful way to preserve the memory of those who served and protect a tradition that means so much to so many Americans,”stated Fitzgerald.
“Family members often honor their memories of their veterans and service members with an American flag at their gravesite. Rep. Steil’s bipartisan bill will ensure this can happen every day, which is why I’m proud to support such a meaningful effort for those who have served our country,” said Moore.
Background:
H.R. 3999 amends the U.S. flag code (4 U.S.C. §6) to expressly state that if the American flag is displayed in a secured, upright position directly adjacent to the grave site of a deceased servicemember or veteran it should not be removed.
The Flag Code provides guidance provides cemeteries and officials with appropriate discretion to manage their facilities as they see fit.
CLICK HERE to read the bill.
