The Informer recently received a forwarded email that purported to describe a new protocol for military funerals. The original message, signed by John G. Martich Weirton, relates what supposedly happened at the funeral of 85-year-old Daniel Martich, who served in the Army in the Korean War.

“During the committal service at a Pittsburgh cemetery the local military detachment performed their ritual, then folded and presented the American Flag to my aunt,” the email reads.

“As I’m sure you have witnessed during military funerals, a soldier bends to one knee and recites a scripted message to a surviving relative that begins ‘On behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful nation, I wish to present you with this flag in appreciation for your husband’s service …’. However, today the dialogue was ‘On behalf of the Secretary of Defense and a grateful nation …’ ”

The email goes on to say that the flag bearer later told the letter writer that the White House had ordered the change in wording. But as with so many forwarded emails, the allegation it makes is untrue.

“While there have been some inconsistencies at the unit level in reciting the appropriate verbiage, neither the Department of Defense nor the services have received, published or directed any recent change,” FactCheck.org quotes a military spokesman as saying.

According to the Army’s drill and ceremony manual, the leader of the funeral detail presents the flag to the soldier’s next of kin and says: “Sir/Ma’am, this flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation as an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one.”

Marine Corps regulations say flag bearers may use one of two statements, both of which mention the president. The suggested words listed in Navy rules don’t mention the president.

INVESTMENT INCOME AFFECTED BY TAX

I recently received several emails informing everyone about the sales tax we will be paying for selling our homes in 2012. They state the sales tax will be 3.8 percent and was included in the Obama health care package. Is this true?

Partly.

The 3.8 percent tax, which is indeed included in the health care law, applies to investment income made by the wealthy — single tax filers who earn at least $200,000 and joint filers who earn $250,000. It’s supposed to take effect in 2013.

As several fact-checking websites have pointed out, the tax — used to help fund Medicare — will affect few taxpayers.

“Still, maybe empty-nesters are scared they’ll be hit with this tax if they sell their homes for more than $250,000. But that’s not a likely scenario for most tax payers, because there’s a long-standing tax exemption on the profits from home sales,” reads an article on PolitiFact.com.

“To be hit with the new tax, you would have to clear more than $250,000 in profit off your home, which means at least $250,000 more than you paid for it. And the ceiling is even higher for a married couple. Married couples are not taxed on the first $500,000 of profit from home sales. Again, that’s profit, not the sales price.”

The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098, press 5 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com.