Who receives the flag of a deceased veteran if there is no surviving spouse?

The flag of a deceased veteran is a significant symbol of honor and respect, often presented to family members during a military burial to recognize the veteran's service. In situations where there is no surviving spouse, the order of priority for receiving the flag generally follows a specific hierarchy established by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Children of the deceased veteran are recognized as the preferred recipients of the flag. This is because, in the case of a deceased veteran who does not have a surviving spouse, the next of kin are typically considered in a specific order: children take precedence over siblings or parents. Thus, if the deceased has children, they are entitled to receive the flag to honor their parent’s military service.

Other family members, such as siblings or parents, would only be considered if there are no children available to claim the flag. This process emphasizes the importance placed on direct descendants of the veteran, reinforcing the connection between the veteran's service and their immediate family members.