[Conservababe]

Thanks all about the wreath protocol. Now, I am curious as to how the flag is draped differently in the rotunda?

I wish that the blathering commentators on all networks would spend a little more time in letting us know the history behind these ceremonies instead of filling the air with aimless gossip.

Thank goodness for FR!

[PhiKapMom]

Lester Holt was explaining how when the flag is put on the coffin for the ride on the caisson, there are straps to hold the flag down so the flag is much tighter drawn around the casket unlike being drapped like it was before. Looks like they are going to leave it straped down in the Rotunda.

Holt had on the former head of the Ceremonial Unit who explained also that the strapes keep the flag from being picked up by the wind.

I noticed when the casket was taken from the herse that they made the flag much tighter on the casket and I wondered why then and within seconds it was explained.

[Timeout]

Has it been mentioned here that the flag covering the casket tonight is the one that flew over the U.S. Capitol on the occasion of President Reagan's first inaugural?

As for Senator Stevens' placing the wreath and his salute, he made reference in his remarks to his service in WWII. He must have been an officer, thus he's earned the right to salute that young soldier.