To amend title 4, United States Code, to ensure that a funeral honors detail recites the 13 Folds of Honor when presenting a flag of the United States in connection with the death of a member of the Armed Forces or veteran. | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 3583
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3583Armed Forces and National Security
To amend title 4, United States Code, to ensure that a funeral honors detail recites the 13 Folds of Honor when presenting a flag of the United States in connection with the death of a member of the Armed Forces or veteran.
INTRO MAY 23· LAST ACTION MAY 23
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LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
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Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it seeks to add a specific, symbolic layer to military funeral honors, aiming to make the flag presentation ceremony more meaningful for grieving families and attendees. If passed, it would standardize a particular recitation across all military funerals where a flag is presented, potentially creating a more uniform and emotionally resonant tribute to service members and veterans. Without this bill, the recitation of "the 13 Folds of Honor" is not a federally mandated part of flag presentation ceremonies, meaning its inclusion varies and is not a default practice.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Requires military funeral honors details to recite the "13 Folds of Honor" when presenting a flag at the funeral of a service member or veteran.
This standardizes a specific ceremonial act, adding a deeper, symbolic explanation to the flag presentation at military funerals.
PROVISION 02
Allows the next of kin or agent of the deceased to choose not to have the "13 Folds of Honor" recited.
This provides families with the option to customize the ceremony, respecting their personal preferences regarding this new requirement.
PROVISION 03
States that the Act is dedicated to the 13 service members killed at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, in August 2021.
This acknowledges a specific event and group of fallen service members, providing a dedicated purpose for the legislation.
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 23, 2025
House BillHR 3583Armed Forces and National Security
To amend title 4, United States Code, to ensure that a funeral honors detail recites the 13 Folds of Honor when presenting a flag of the United States in connection with the death of a member of the Armed Forces or veteran.
This bill matters because it seeks to add a specific, symbolic layer to military funeral honors, aiming to make the flag presentation ceremony more meaningful for grieving families and attendees. If passed, it would standardize a particular recitation across all military funerals where a flag is presented, potentially creating a more uniform and emotionally resonant tribute to service members and veterans. Without this bill, the recitation of "the 13 Folds of Honor" is not a federally mandated part of flag presentation ceremonies, meaning its inclusion varies and is not a default practice.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires military funeral honors details to recite the "13 Folds of Honor" when presenting a flag at the funeral of a service member or veteran.
This standardizes a specific ceremonial act, adding a deeper, symbolic explanation to the flag presentation at military funerals.
med
Allows the next of kin or agent of the deceased to choose not to have the "13 Folds of Honor" recited.
This provides families with the option to customize the ceremony, respecting their personal preferences regarding this new requirement.
low
States that the Act is dedicated to the 13 service members killed at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, in August 2021.
This acknowledges a specific event and group of fallen service members, providing a dedicated purpose for the legislation.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Funeral Honors Detail
A group of military personnel who perform a ceremony, including the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag, at the funeral of a service member or veteran.
13 Folds of Honor
A specific recitation that explains the symbolic meaning of each of the thirteen folds made when an American flag is prepared for presentation at a funeral.
Next of Kin
The closest living relative(s) to a deceased person, usually responsible for making decisions regarding the funeral and estate.
Title 4, United States Code
A section of federal law that deals with the flag, seal, seat of government, and states.
Sense of Congress
A formal statement by Congress expressing an opinion or position on an issue, but without the force of law.