Hi all:

My dad just passed away last week--since he was a USMC veteran, he got
a military funeral. As a tribute I wanted to build a flag display
case--I looked in google groups and found several different plans, but
I've got a dumb question: are the flags they put on a vet's coffin
always the same size? And what would be the final dimensions of a
display case? OK, I guess that's two dumb questions but they're
related (C;

Thanks for any help you can give me on this...

Jim

They are standarized.
I have seen a display box where the flag is on one side and the
ribbons/ medals of his rank/unit/badges is on the other. Looked good
done with a dark wood. He would have had some service ribbons and
medals in his time in. Glad we had men like him; the Marines usually
take it on the chin.

On 24 Nov 2003 11:49:41 -0800, (PC Gameplayer) wrote:

Hi all:

My dad just passed away last week--since he was a USMC veteran, he got
a military funeral. As a tribute I wanted to build a flag display
case--I looked in google groups and found several different plans, but
I've got a dumb question: are the flags they put on a vet's coffin
always the same size? And what would be the final dimensions of a
display case? OK, I guess that's two dumb questions but they're
related (C;

Thanks for any help you can give me on this...

Jim

PC Gameplayer wrote:

Hi all:

My dad just passed away last week--since he was a USMC veteran, he got
a military funeral. As a tribute I wanted to build a flag display
case--I looked in google groups and found several different plans, but
I've got a dumb question: are the flags they put on a vet's coffin
always the same size? And what would be the final dimensions of a
display case?


If I were you I would take it to someone who mounts and frames cross
stitch and the like.

The reason for this is the chemicals that will leach out of a wooden
frame may and probably will degrade the flags material. Whites would
become brownish and the colors would become less vibrant.

Then there's the question of how you would attach the flag to the
backing. Thumb tacks? Staples? Two sided tape?

A professional framer will be able to build a frame, stretch and mount
the flag in an acid and chemical free glass covered environment.

If you want to make the frame yourself I would suggest having the framer
frame the flag in a thin metal frame and then build a second frame to
hold the first frame.



--

Mark

N.E. Ohio


Never argue with a fool, a bystander can't tell you apart. (S. Clemens,
A.K.A. Mark Twain)

When in doubt hit the throttle. It may not help but it sure ends the
suspense. (Gaz, r.moto)

Mark writes:


PC Gameplayer wrote:

Hi all:

My dad just passed away last week--since he was a USMC veteran, he got
a military funeral. As a tribute I wanted to build a flag display
case--I looked in google groups and found several different plans, but
I've got a dumb question: are the flags they put on a vet's coffin
always the same size? And what would be the final dimensions of a
display case?


If I were you I would take it to someone who mounts and frames cross
stitch and the like.

Generally you'll display a flag like this as it was folded by
the Honor Guard. That usually means a glass-front triangular
case. Sealing the interior of the case with shellac should
prevent leaching of 'chemicals' from the case to the flag.

Build the case to fit the flag, if you already have it.

scott

Try these out for inspiration.

http://www.woodworkersunitedforameri...tions_WUFA.PDF

http://www.anyflag.com/Merchant4/mer..._Code=FC&Categ
ory_Code=MDC

If I am correct, it is tradition that a flag used over a veterans coffin
should not be unfolded after it is given to the family member by the
honor guard. This is why the display cases should be triangular.



Mark wrote:


PC Gameplayer wrote:

Hi all:

My dad just passed away last week--since he was a USMC veteran, he got
a military funeral. As a tribute I wanted to build a flag display
case--I looked in google groups and found several different plans, but
I've got a dumb question: are the flags they put on a vet's coffin
always the same size? And what would be the final dimensions of a
display case?



If I were you I would take it to someone who mounts and frames cross
stitch and the like.

The reason for this is the chemicals that will leach out of a wooden
frame may and probably will degrade the flags material. Whites would
become brownish and the colors would become less vibrant.

Then there's the question of how you would attach the flag to the
backing. Thumb tacks? Staples? Two sided tape?

A professional framer will be able to build a frame, stretch and mount
the flag in an acid and chemical free glass covered environment.

If you want to make the frame yourself I would suggest having the framer
frame the flag in a thin metal frame and then build a second frame to
hold the first frame.



--

Mark

N.E. Ohio


Never argue with a fool, a bystander can't tell you apart. (S. Clemens,
A.K.A. Mark Twain)

When in doubt hit the throttle. It may not help but it sure ends the
suspense. (Gaz, r.moto)

Mapdude wrote:

If I am correct, it is tradition that a flag used over a veterans coffin
should not be unfolded after it is given to the family member by the
honor guard. This is why the display cases should be triangular.



My mistake.


Once again I'm reminded I don't know everything.



--

Mark

N.E. Ohio


Never argue with a fool, a bystander can't tell you apart. (S. Clemens,
A.K.A. Mark Twain)

When in doubt hit the throttle. It may not help but it sure ends the
suspense. (Gaz, r.moto)

snip
That usually means a glass-front triangular
case.

Yeah, that's exactly what I'm looking for. I've seen the square cases
with the flag on one side, medals on another--but I'm looking for the
basic triangular case.

Build the case to fit the flag, if you already have it.

Well, that's part of my problem. My mom has the flag, and I'd prefer
to do this without her knowing (until I give the finished product to
her). It might have gotten lost, but part of my original question
was: assuming flags that are draped over a coffin are always the same
size (or close), what are the final dimensions of the "flag triangle"?

jim

Mark wrote in rec.woodworking



PC Gameplayer wrote:

Hi all:

My dad just passed away last week--since he was a USMC veteran, he got
a military funeral. As a tribute I wanted to build a flag display
case--I looked in google groups and found several different plans, but
I've got a dumb question: are the flags they put on a vet's coffin
always the same size? And what would be the final dimensions of a
display case?


If I were you I would take it to someone who mounts and frames cross
stitch and the like.

The reason for this is the chemicals that will leach out of a wooden
frame may and probably will degrade the flags material. Whites would
become brownish and the colors would become less vibrant.

Then there's the question of how you would attach the flag to the
backing. Thumb tacks? Staples? Two sided tape?

A professional framer will be able to build a frame, stretch and mount
the flag in an acid and chemical free glass covered environment.

If you want to make the frame yourself I would suggest having the
framer
frame the flag in a thin metal frame and then build a second frame to
hold the first frame.



--

Mark
I would think he is talking about one of those ones where it is folded in
a trinagle. That's the way I have always seen them mounted.

BigDog
--
To E-mail me, you know what to do.

BigDog wrote:

I would think he is talking about one of those ones where it is folded in
a trinagle. That's the way I have always seen them mounted.

BigDog


Yeah, that's been pointed out to me.

I should have paid more attention while I was a Boy Scout.






--
--

Mark

N.E. Ohio


Never argue with a fool, a bystander can't tell you apart. (S. Clemens,
A.K.A. Mark Twain)

When in doubt hit the throttle. It may not help but it sure ends the
suspense. (Gaz, r.moto)

They are not all the same size, and there are plenty of unfortunate stories
of folks who assumed there was a standard. Best to sneak into mom's place
and take some measurements.

Very sorry for your loss.
--
Bill Pounds
http://www.bill.pounds.net/woodshop


"PC Gameplayer" wrote in message
m...
Build the case to fit the flag, if you already have it.

Well, that's part of my problem. My mom has the flag, and I'd prefer
to do this without her knowing (until I give the finished product to
her). It might have gotten lost, but part of my original question
was: assuming flags that are draped over a coffin are always the same
size (or close), what are the final dimensions of the "flag triangle"?

jim

PC - if you still need plans for a flag box I'll be happy to send you
a copy of mine. I have made no less than a hundred flag and retirement
boxes in the past 15 + years. I am retired navy and now have a small
woodworking shop. As for the size flag a burial flag will be a 5 ft x
9 ft made of cotton.


On 24 Nov 2003 11:49:41 -0800, (PC Gameplayer) wrote:

Hi all:

My dad just passed away last week--since he was a USMC veteran, he got
a military funeral. As a tribute I wanted to build a flag display
case--I looked in google groups and found several different plans, but
I've got a dumb question: are the flags they put on a vet's coffin
always the same size? And what would be the final dimensions of a
display case? OK, I guess that's two dumb questions but they're
related (C;

Thanks for any help you can give me on this...

Jim

Jim,
The flag is ALWAYS folded into that triangular form . . . for 'presentation'
of any kind of storage, even if it is only overnight.

The typical "Veterans Flag' is 5' x 9' . I just made 3 of them; one for a
neighbor, one for my wife {yet to receive the final finish} and the
remaining one I sold on e-bay. {The individual wanted to surprise his
sister; it was sent directly to her}

I would be glad to send you a photo and gross dimensions. I may even have
instructions & a diagram on how to fold the flag.

Contact me off-list.

Regards,
Ron Magen
Backyard Boatshop

"PC Gameplayer" wrote in message
m...
snip
That usually means a glass-front triangular
case.

Yeah, that's exactly what I'm looking for. I've seen the square cases
with the flag on one side, medals on another--but I'm looking for the
basic triangular case.

Build the case to fit the flag, if you already have it.

Well, that's part of my problem. My mom has the flag, and I'd prefer
to do this without her knowing (until I give the finished product to
her). It might have gotten lost, but part of my original question
was: assuming flags that are draped over a coffin are always the same
size (or close), what are the final dimensions of the "flag triangle"?

jim

Jim,

The flags are standard size but the folded dimensions can vary depending
on how tight or loose the honor guard folds it.

I made 8 of the triangular flag cases for the families of the Columbia
crew earlier this year and used the plan from Woodworkers United for
America's website which was posted here earlier. These plans are very
straight forward and as long as your table saw is accurate when you cut
the 22 1/2 degree mitres for each of the bottom corners you should not
have any problems. Make sure you finish the inside before you assemble
and glue up the case. I made them from cherry and gave them a french
polish using a 2lb cut of blond shellac. Make sure that you use glass for
the front and not acrylic or plexiglass as that will cause the material in
the flag to degrade.

Greg

PC Gameplayer wrote:

Hi all:

My dad just passed away last week--since he was a USMC veteran, he got
a military funeral. As a tribute I wanted to build a flag display
case--I looked in google groups and found several different plans, but
I've got a dumb question: are the flags they put on a vet's coffin
always the same size? And what would be the final dimensions of a
display case? OK, I guess that's two dumb questions but they're
related (C;

Thanks for any help you can give me on this...

Jim

You can checkout mine here with some dimensions.
http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthr...e#Pos t522878


"Greg Bogardo" wrote in message
...
Jim,

The flags are standard size but the folded dimensions can vary depending
on how tight or loose the honor guard folds it.

I made 8 of the triangular flag cases for the families of the Columbia
crew earlier this year and used the plan from Woodworkers United for
America's website which was posted here earlier. These plans are very
straight forward and as long as your table saw is accurate when you cut
the 22 1/2 degree mitres for each of the bottom corners you should not
have any problems. Make sure you finish the inside before you assemble
and glue up the case. I made them from cherry and gave them a french
polish using a 2lb cut of blond shellac. Make sure that you use glass for
the front and not acrylic or plexiglass as that will cause the material in
the flag to degrade.

Greg

PC Gameplayer wrote:

Hi all:

My dad just passed away last week--since he was a USMC veteran, he got
a military funeral. As a tribute I wanted to build a flag display
case--I looked in google groups and found several different plans, but
I've got a dumb question: are the flags they put on a vet's coffin
always the same size? And what would be the final dimensions of a
display case? OK, I guess that's two dumb questions but they're
related (C;

Thanks for any help you can give me on this...

Jim

Mapdude Said:
If I am correct, it is tradition that a flag used over a veterans coffin
should not be unfolded after it is given to the family member by the
honor guard. This is why the display cases should be triangular.

My Response:
You are correct. By tradition, the flag is never unfurled for any lesser duty.

Bill