Can The Flag Be Draped Over a Civilian's Coffin?

Can The Flag Be Draped Over a Civilian's Coffin?
    At our school's classes we cover how to fold the American flag, its proper uses, and proper display. When we addressed the issue of how it is draped on a coffin, I had the question: Is it only used for military personnel or can it be used for civilians too?  I had no idea what the rules are and would appreciate your advice.
          -- John R.    I am a retired police officer and am leaving instructions for my family once I pass away. (Hopefully not for a long time in the future).  My father was in the Army Air Corps during WWII. When he died his casket was draped with an American flag as a veteran. I have that flag.
   Is an appropriate request to have the same flag drape my casket after my death?
          -- Kevin P.
Dear J.R and K.P.:    Anyone United States citizen can have the U.S. flag on their casket -- as long as the flag is displayed correctly. The rules are from the government, not the military. When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be placed so the top left of the flag (the blue field with stars) is over the head and over the body's left shoulder. (What's the body's left, and the left of the body for the viewer are different. See the photo below.) The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
   There is much to learn on flags, but check out the rules in advance and then display it proudly.             -- Robert Hickey

http://www.formsofaddress.info/Flags.html