(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new bipartisan bill led by U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (WI-01) aims to ensure that American flags can remain in place year-round at the gravesites of veterans and service members, offering grieving families permanent reassurance that tributes to their loved ones won’t be removed or discarded.
The legislation, titled the American Flags to Honor Our Veterans Act (H.R. 3999), would amend the U.S. Flag Code to expressly allow American flags to be placed in an upright and secured position next to the graves of veterans and servicemembers indefinitely. Steil introduced the bill with support from House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12), Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Rep. Jack Bergman (MI-01), Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Rep. Glenn Grothman (WI-06), and Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04).
Currently, some municipal and private cemeteries remove American flags based on strict interpretations of the Flag Code, and in some instances, flags are discarded in a way families find disrespectful. The proposed law is intended to override such actions by clarifying that honoring fallen servicemembers with a flag is always appropriate.
“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.”
Chairman Bost, a Marine Corps veteran, added, “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.”
Rep. Fitzgerald called it a “respectful way to preserve the memory of those who served,” adding, “Families and loved ones shouldn’t have to fight to keep an American flag at the grave of someone who wore the uniform.”
Rep. Moore emphasized the bill’s broad appeal and purpose: “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.”
The proposed amendment would specifically revise 4 U.S.C. §6 of the U.S. Flag Code. The bill affirms that as long as a flag is displayed in a secured, upright manner directly adjacent to the grave of a veteran or servicemember, it should not be removed, though cemeteries would retain discretion over other aspects of grounds maintenance.
Steil’s office said the bill reflects a growing concern from constituents and veterans’ families frustrated by the periodic removal of flags, particularly outside of Memorial Day or Veterans Day observances.
The legislation is pending consideration in the House.
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One Response
Broad appeal…? What a waste of time and resources. Of all the things troubling Americans on every side of the aisle, year round flag placement at Veterans graves is about zero on the list. How about they do something that helps people pay their rent, eat and get decent jobs.