US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

10 U.S.C. § 8261

Presentation of United States flag upon retirement

(a)

Presentation of Flag .—

Upon the release of a member of the Navy or Marine Corps from active duty for retirement or transfer to the Fleet Reserve or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve, the Secretary of the Navy shall present a United States flag to the member.
(b)

Multiple Presentations Not Authorized .—

A member is not eligible for a presentation of a flag under subsection (a) if the member has previously been presented a flag under this section or any other provision of law providing for the presentation of a United States flag incident to release from active service for retirement.
(c)

No Cost to Recipient .—

The presentation of a flag under this section shall be at no cost to the recipient.

Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VI, § 644(b)(1)112 Stat. 2048Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VI, § 652(e)113 Stat. 666Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, § 807(b)(10)132 Stat. 1835(Added , , , § 6141; amended , , ; renumbered § 8261, , , .)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 104170A Stat. 505Pub. L. 87–378, § 475 Stat. 808Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, § 1662(b)(3)108 Stat. 2990section 12107 of this titleA prior section 8261, acts , ; , , , related to enlistment in Air National Guard of United States, prior to repeal by , , . See .

Amendments

Pub. L. 115–232section 6141 of this title2018— renumbered as this section.

Pub. L. 106–65section 516 of title 141999—Subsec. (b). substituted “under this section or any other provision of law providing for the presentation of a United States flag incident to release from active service for retirement.” for “under this section or section 3681 or 8681 of this title or .”

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–232section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232section 3001 of this titleAmendment by effective , with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see , set out as a note preceding .

Effective Date

section 2748 of Title 14section 644(e) of Pub. L. 105–261section 7251 of this titleSection applicable with respect to releases from active duty described in this section, sections 7251 and 9251 of this title, and , Coast Guard, on or after , see , set out as a note under .