I have been informed that as of now– the presentation of the American flag to the next of kin, the statement is to remove the word President of the United States and insert Secretary of Devense and a grateful nation– Is the President no longer grateful–  – Al, Rehoboth

While I can’t tell you for sure whether the President is still grateful, I can tell you that it’s not true that the flag presentation ceremony honoring the service of veterans has changed.

My guess is that Al’s question comes from one of those chain emails that we all get now and again.  This one claims the White House ordered the military to remove reference to the President during the ceremony.  This is where a flag is given to the family of the deceased vet on behalf of a grateful nation.

Watch video:

Go here  or here if you want more details about the email and whether it’s accurate.

To be certain I contacted the Defense Dept. and asked whether there has been any change.  A military spokeswoman responded:  “Neither the Defense Department nor the services have received, published or directed any recent change.”

Perhaps this is an attempt to “get” Pres. Obama.  Or it may be based on the fact that not all flag presentations include the reference to the President.  What’s certain is the White House didn’t order a change.

I remember the funerals of my father and father in law, both World War II veterans, and how moving the flag presentations were.

Do you get these types of emails often?  What do you think of them?  While you’re at it….go here and let us know what you’re curious about.