It sounds like a wonderful thing to do but I wouldn't know where to start.

There is a wonderful pattern I think by Minnick and (Simpson??) that makes a non-flag but similar quilt. The choice of fabric print, also Minnick's, makes the quilt!

Jan in VA

Oh that's a great idea.. I like that pattern as well.

A couple of things here,
1. why can't they use a flag as long as proper respect is shown,and 2. you may want to check about a quilt resembling a flag,many Vets see it as disrespect to the American Flag to use the flag pattern in things such as atricles of clothing etc,I'm sure Red White and Blue would be fine but maybe just not in a American flag design.
Please do not take offence,I think it is Very propper and respectful what you are doing,and I would certianly proceed. I just don't want you to go to all of this work and not be able to use them.
Let us know what you find out,and I have some patriotic fabric I will be willing to donate if you need some.
Thanks,
Rae Penn

I am a service veteran, and I do not understand why if he is a veteran it cannot be a real flag.
I know I can have a flag on my casket when I die.
.

You are right that there will be a flag on the casket if your family contacts Veteran's Affairs. You can also receive the flag even if you choose cremation vs. burial. Your family will also receive the Thank You for Your service letter from the government. My husband will be gone 2 years in December, and I have received 4 of these letters, some from President Bush and also from obama.
The question is whether it is appropriate for hospice to have flags they place over the veteran for the trip from their home to the funeral home. They can't use the same flag for both, and Hospice may have its' own policies. I don't have the answer to this question, but I hope to find out information and the reasons behind it in the morning.

I feel the same as you, also I have been told it is illegal over here to make such a flag, wouldn't that apply in America too.

I got up early to check on DGS and change his "puh-wups" (pullups) (diaper), and had this image of the Flag Police arresting a coffin for illegal flag draping because someone did not apply to a proper agency.
What's the penalty, do you think.

I went to this site of the VA:
http://www.cem.va.gov/bbene/bflags.asp
Here is a paragraph:

"The law allows us to issue one flag for a Veteran's funeral. We cannot replace it if it is lost, destroyed, or stolen. However, some Veterans' organizations or other community groups may be able to help you get another flag."

This tells me the flag does not have to come from the VA.

.

I too am wondering why they can't/won't get a flag for each veterans passing? This is a customary procedure. Are they trying to save time by not requesting one? Not sure how long it takes to receive one....once requested and then the living family member can keep the flag as a memory. It is just too curious as to why they are approaching this the way they are. Having been to many veterans funerals with the flag drapped coffin I can't imagine anything but the real thing to honor the service of that person.

The drape they are looking for is not for the funeral or casket, it is only for transport from the place of death to the funeral home. Amma's suggestion about the health department is a very good one for that reason, especially if Hospice plans to keep and reuse these drapes. In my experience, it is the funeral home that provides transport, not Hospice, but that may be a local decision?