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National Cemetery Administration

 

Cemetery Components - Avenue of Flags

Function Picture of a cemetery's avenue of flags 

The Avenue of Flags flanks both sides of the curb line – usually along the main entrance road – with flags mounted at grade in support sleeves. The Avenue of Flags or "Avenue of Remembrance" is a patriotic feature at a veterans cemetery and reinforces patriotism, national pride and represents a visible, bold and proud display of flags. At some locations, the flags are donated by the families of the interred veterans for display along the Avenue of Flags. In most cases, the Avenue of Flags is only flown on days of special ceremonial significance such as Memorial Day.

The Avenue of Flags establishes a strong sense of entry, creating an interesting and dramatic space. It adds an important feature after the gate and entry feature and strengthens patriotic expression, adding color and interest along the entry road into the loop of the cemetery grounds. Flagpoles and flags are usually donated to the cemetery. Other than the installation of the flag sleeves, federal funding is not provided for this feature.

Components

The Avenue of Flags consists of approximately 40 flags lining both sides of the cemetery entry road. The funeral corteges proceed in a forward direction from entry to departure. The Avenue of Flags adds to the color, drama, and patriotic impact of the cemetery.

Related Items:

  • Assembly Area (Flag Location)
  • Entry Feature, Entry Gate
  • Roads
  • Maintenance Building (Flag Storage)

Design Requirements

Flags are placed in sleeves inside the cemetery entry gate and along the entrance and exit roads. The sleeves are mounted at grade level in a permanent anchor. The flags are nylon (preferably) for wind and weather resistance and may be small in size, rather than large. The height of the poles may be 10-12 feet in height and spaced at approximately 15 -20 feet minimum distance apart, or 30 feet maximum distance apart, depending on the trees and plantings at each cemetery location.

The large interment flags are often used for the Avenue of Flags. However, these heavy-duty cotton flags are not recommended for routine use if the Avenue of Flags is intended as an everyday feature. Interment flags are not suitable for everyday use due to their large size, staining and weathering fabric properties and weight.

Additional Photos

Picture of a cemetery's avenue of flags. Picture of a cemetery's avenue of flags.

 
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