Can a flag be issued to a widow/widower who is separated from the deceased?

• A. Yes, as long as the widow/widower is not remarried.
• B. Yes, regardless of remarriage.
• C. No.
• D. Only if remarriage occurs.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is who is legally the surviving spouse at the time of death. A separated widow or widower is still legally married, so they retain the status of the surviving spouse and are eligible to receive the flag, as long as they have not remarried. Separation does not end the marriage in this context, so eligibility remains until a new marriage occurs. If remarriage happens, the new spouse would typically become the eligible recipient. That’s why the correct understanding is that a flag can be issued to a separated widow/widower who is not remarried.