Critics, however, argued that the move was an abomination as it desecrates the country’s most respected symbol.
Reasons for not burying national flag
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, a military official explained that using a national flag to bury a casket is inappropriate and disrespectful in many cultures and institutions.
He shared the four reasons and potential dangers associated with this practice:
- Disrespect to the flag
The country’s flag symbolizes national pride and respect; therefore, burying it is seen as dishonoring this symbol.
Apart from that, something known as Flag Protocol dictates the specific protocols regarding the handling and disposal of the flag.
“These often include not allowing the flag to touch the ground or be buried,” the source explained.
- Violation of flag etiquette
Many countries have regulations that dictate the proper use of the flag, and violating these can lead to legal consequences and public disapproval.
In military funerals, the flag is draped over the casket but removed, folded, and presented to the family before the burial.
“This honours the deceased while maintaining respect for the flag,” he continued.
- Cultural Sensitivity
The third reason flags are not buried is that such acts tend to offend veterans, service members, and patriotic citizens who view the flag with deep respect.
This was evident in Kenya during the burial of Rex Masai, as many Kenyans opposed the idea, terming it disrespectful.
Digital Kenyan Cops:
“With due respect, it’s not right to bury the Kenyan flag. It’s spiritually and morally wrong; we can’t lay our flag to rest, even in military and police flags, which are removed as the casket descends. Our flag must fly high.”
Domisiano Kailikia Mungania: “It’s an abomination to bury the Kenyan flag. Even generals are never buried together with the flag.”
Kenneth Leonard: “Be patriotic. The flag isn’t meant to bury the people. It’s only covered for the patriotism and sympathy of the nation.”
Apart from that, different cultures have varying norms regarding the use of national symbols, and burying a flag may go against these norms, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.
- Environmental Concerns
The military source explained that commissioned flags are often made of materials that do not decompose quickly.
That means burying them can contribute to environmental pollution as they would take years to rot.
“Flags that are no longer fit for display are typically retired in a dignified manner, such as being burned in a ceremonial process, rather than being buried,” he added.
Conclusion It is generally considered inappropriate and disrespectful to bury a national flag with a casket.
Following proper flag protocols and traditions ensures that the flag is treated with the respect it deserves.
Adhering to established practices, such as presenting the folded flag to the family, maintains the deceased’s dignity and the national symbol at military funerals.
Read more: https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/554431-expert-shares-reasons-wrong-bury-civilian-flag-draped-casket/