Us Code § 214 - Presentation of United States flag upon retirement

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 214 — Presentation of United States flag upon retirement, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 214. Presentation of United States flag upon retirement

(a) Presentation of flag

Upon the release of an officer of the commissioned corps of the Service from active commissioned service for retirement, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall present a United States flag to the officer.

(b) Multiple presentations not authorized

An officer is not eligible for presentation of a flag under subsection (a) if the officer 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.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title II, §213, as added Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VI, §652(b), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 665.)


Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 214, acts July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title II, §213, 58 Stat. 689; Apr. 27, 1956, ch. 211, §2(a), 70 Stat. 116, authorized allowances for uniforms, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 87–649, §14b, Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 499. See section 415 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section applicable with respect to releases from service described in section on or after Oct. 1, 1999, see section 652(d) of Pub. L. 106–65, set out as a note under section 12605 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

About This Section

42 U.S.C. § 214 is part of Title 42 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 42 U.S.C. § 214. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 214

What does United States Code § 214 cover?

Section 214 ("Presentation of United States flag upon retirement") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 214?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 214" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 214 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.