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" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> <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
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, [email protected] (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
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)
>
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
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" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> > 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
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, [email protected] (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
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)
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.
You can checkout mine here with some dimensions.
http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB8&Number=522878&Forum=All_Forums&Words=flag%20case&Match=And&Searchpage=1&Limit=25&Old=allposts&Main=522170&Search=true#Post522878
"Greg Bogardo" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> 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
>
Mark <[email protected]> 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
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)
<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
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
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)