Regulations – American Flag Display and Removal Policy

The Diocese of Tucson Catholic Cemeteries adheres to the following guidelines regarding the display, care and removal of the American flag:

• The American flag in miniature, may be displayed from May 1st through November 30th on grave sites, niche or crypt fascia when placed in an approved floral container.
• The American flag must be displayed in such a way as to ensure it is not desecrated in the process of display – not touch the ground or become soiled. If it becomes wet it must be dry before being stored.
• If a flag becomes soiled or torn, it must be removed and properly disposed of (burned). This is the responsibility of cemetery personnel.
• The American flag will never be treated as waste or debris by cemetery personnel. All remaining flags will be removed by November 30th by cemetery personnel and turned over to the Veterans Administration. If you wish to retain your flag, you must remove it prior to November 30th.
• Larger flags are permitted only where approved and provided by the cemeteries.
• State flags, Nation flags, Organization flags, or decorative flags are not permitted without written authorization and approval by the Executive Director of the Cemeteries. Prior to approval laws regarding such flags and disposal must be researched. The cemeteries will conduct such research for a fee. The fee must be paid prior to research being conducted and is non refundable. Research does not imply approval. All requests for flag placement must be in written form, and should be sent to the main cemetery office.