USPS and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have made a procedural change for replenishment of flags distributed through the Postal Service Burial Flag Program.
One of the most powerful symbols recognizing military service, and an enduring memento treasured by many deceased veterans’ families, U.S. flags in the program will now be ordered through the eBuyPlus system and shipped from the Topeka, KS, Material Distribution Center (MDC).
Flags were previously replenished by the VA upon receipt of a completed VA Form 27-2008 along with supplemental eligibility documentation provided by a deceased veteran’s family member or funeral director.
Through the program, all retail Post Offices serve as a burial flag repository in accordance with Retail Operations Handbook PO-209 and Administrative Support Manual 474.
Following flag issuance, it is critical that a completed current VA Form 27-2008 is mailed within three days to the following address, superseding form instructions:
Memorial Programs Service (41A1)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Rd
Quantico, VA 22134-3903
Flag issuance must not be delayed or refused because additional documentation — including discharge paperwork such as a DD Form 214 — is not available at the time of request, as long as the applicant signs VA Form 27-2008, certifying eligibility.
Orders for burial flags should be placed through eBuyPlus (NSN 8345-00-656-1432) and fulfilled by MDC in accordance with the 2020 Post Office Burial Flag Replenishment SOP.
For emergency burial flag requests, contact MDC at 800-332-0317 or MDC.CustomerService@usps.gov.
