Southern Wisconsin Times

WASHINGTON (June 14, 2024) - Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12), Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), and Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01) today introduced the American Flags to Honor Our Veterans Act. This legislation aims to recognize veterans and servicemembers by allowing American flags to be placed next to their graves year-round.

Municipal and private cemeteries often remove American flags from the graves of veterans and servicemembers. When these flags are removed, they may be disposed of in an undignified manner. This often causes frustration among Americans who believe they should be allowed to honor deceased servicemembers and veterans at any time.

"Veterans, servicemembers, and their families made sacrifices for our country,” said Steil. “Families should have the right to fly our nation’s flag at the gravesites of those who have defended our freedom. This bill encourages cemeteries to respect the flag, the wishes of veterans and their families, and Americans who want to honor the service and sacrifice of deceased servicemembers all year round.”

Specifically, this legislation 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.

“Our servicemembers and veterans gave everything for our country and defended the American flag with their lives,” said Van Orden. “It is only right that we continue to recognize them for their service after they have passed. I am very proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to ensure our servicemembers who have been laid to rest are honored with the respect they deserve.”

“Regardless of the day, our veterans deserve to be honored. For those great men and women who have passed on, they can – and should – be recognized posthumously by loved ones with the simple gesture of placing our American flag at their graveside,” said Bergman. “It’s unthinkable that the colors which our veterans died for could be banned from their graves and could be discarded so callously. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead legislation, the American Flags to Honor Our Veterans Act, which will correct this oversight and allow for families and friends to properly extend their gratitude and love to our deceased Veterans by placing a flag at their resting place.”

This legislation is supported by American Legion, the largest wartime veterans service organization.