Veteran Information

Flag Retirement Program

The American Flag is a revered symbol of our freedoms and a constant reminder of the sacrifices that our nation's veterans have made while protecting those freedoms and our glorious country. Like each one of us, our nation’s flag has a life span and should be retired with honor and respect.

“The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

- United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8

Premier Cremation Services is accepting worn flags that are no longer worthy of display. These flags will be handled and processed with dignity and respect while honoring a fallen veteran at the same time.

With permission of the family of a veteran who has chosen cremation, we will drape the unusable American flag upon the cremation container of the veteran for the cremation process. Cremating the covered cremation container burns the flag in a dignified and respectful manner, in accordance with proper flag etiquette. Each family that participates in the Flag Retirement Program will be presented with a certificate for the flag’s Final Deed of Service.

There is never a charge for this service.

Unusable United States flags may be donated to Premier Cremation Services Flag Retirement Program at our administrative office located at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home - 437 South Grand Ave West in Springfield. Please call (217) 525-1500 for more information or to request a free pick-up of your unusable American flag.