VA announces new flag display policy

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a new policy limiting the display of flags at VA facilities, effective immediately. The policy is intended to establish consistency and clear guidance across the department and aligns with longstanding Department of Defense guidelines.

Under the new directive, only specific flags may be publicly displayed or depicted at VA facilities. These include the United States flag, flags of U.S. states and territories, military service flags, VA flags and official flags of U.S. agencies.

Additionally, flags representing POW/MIA, Senior Executive Service, military command units and burial flags for honoring Veterans and reservists are permitted.

The policy applies to all VA facilities, including offices, government vehicles, medical centers, common areas and parking lots. However, it does not prohibit the inclusion of unauthorized flags in museum exhibits, state-issued license plates, grave sites, historical displays or works of art, provided they do not imply official endorsement by the department.

“This policy will bring consistency and simplicity to the display of flags throughout the department, which now has a singular focus: serving the needs of Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins.

The VA’s new guidance follows a longstanding Department of Defense policy instituted during the first Trump Administration and kept in place during the Biden Administration, and supersedes the VA’s previous memorandum on displaying flags during Pride Month, issued in May 2024. However, it does not affect existing policies governing national cemeteries.

“All Veterans and VA beneficiaries will always be welcome at all VA facilities to receive the benefits and services they have earned under the law,” Secretary Collins said in an email to all employees. “This policy will bring consistency and simplicity to the display of flags throughout the department, ensuring a singular focus on serving the needs of Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.”