Duncan Takes on Federal Flag Rule in Support of Veterans


WASHINGTON – Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki Wednesday questioning a federal rule preventing the placement of American flags on the graves of Veterans on Veterans Day.

The federal floral regulation states that small flags shall only be on display for the Memorial Day holiday.

Each year, volunteers place flags on the graves of Veterans at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville.  Some of those volunteers have reported being told by the state this is the last year they will be able to place the flags unless the federal rule is changed.

“There is no logic behind this rule,” Duncan said. “To allow the placement of flags on Memorial Day but not Veterans Day makes no sense to me or the public, and I will do whatever I can to change this provision.”

“It is especially sad because many of these volunteers are children and Cub Scouts.  I cannot think of a better way for these youth to learn about citizenship and the sacrifices made by these Veterans than volunteering to place these flags,” Duncan continued.  

Rep. Duncan has received multiple calls and e-mails from his constituents on the issue in the past day.  He plans to pursue a legislative change to the rule if an agreement cannot be reached with the Tennessee Department of Veteran Affairs and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

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