Memorial Day, a national day of remembrance, is a time to honor and mourn the U.S. military personnel who died in service to their country. It's a solemn day of reflection and gratitude.
One of the most visible ways Americans express this respect is through flag display. But many people still don't know that Memorial Day has its own flag traditions and etiquette in the United States.
Why Memorial Day Flag Etiquette Matters
The U.S. Flag Code is not what you might think of as a typical law, in that it's not legally enforceable. However, following the code is a sign of patriotism and respect.
The code formalizes the traditional ways in which Americans respect the U.S. flag; it also gives specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used.
Memorial Day Flag Display Rules
On Memorial Day, the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff until noon, then goes to full-staff.
To be more specific, the flag should be briefly raised to the top before being lowered to half-staff, and again raised to the top before being taken down. This is outlined in Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 7-M of the U.S. Flag Code.
More details are below.
Half-Staff in the Morning
On this sacred holiday, as we have seen, flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon. This is in memory of the dead; the somber tradition represents the nation's mourning for the lives lost in military service.
To do this properly, and to start Memorial Day off right, the U.S. flag should first be hoisted to the peak for an instant, then lowered to the half-staff position. Before it is lowered for the day, it should again be raised to the peak.
Full-Staff After Noon
After 12 p.m., the flag should be raised to full-staff. This represents the resolve to continue the fight for freedom and uphold the sacrifices made by those who served.
The U.S. Flag Code was officially created in 1923, and then in 1942 it was coded into public law. Yet, flag etiquette -- and this specific Memorial Day flag tradition -- have been around much longer than that.
In 1915, the Boston Globe reported that an irate Civil War veteran had marched into the newspaper offices at about 4 p.m. on Memorial Day. The visitor "asked the city editor to stick his head out the window for a moment and look at the flags" that were adorning the city's buildings in honor of the holiday.
"About two-thirds of 'em are wrong," the veteran groused. Most of the flags were at half-staff -- and it was after noon. The flags should have been hoisted to their peaks at midday.
"A reporter took a stroll through the business district and he found that the old veteran was pretty much right," the paper reported.
Residential vs. Government Observance
By the way, it's not just public and government buildings that are expected to follow flag protocols exactly. Private citizens are also encouraged to do the same to show their respect. Whether you're flying a flag on your front porch or at your business, the same guidelines apply to ensure uniformity and honor.
The president or a governor may order flags to be flown at half-staff to honor certain government officials, service members or first responders who have died. Specific timeframes depend on the person's role, and "half-staff" means halfway between the top and bottom of the flagpole.
General U.S. Flag Etiquette
Flag etiquette is important not just on Memorial Day, but 365 days a year. Following flag etiquette might seem small, but it's a meaningful way to show respect for the people and principles the flag stands for.
Read More: Flag Etiquette and the US Flag Code
Flag Display Rules
- The U.S. flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. It can be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during darkness.
- When hung vertically or horizontally on a wall, the union (blue field with stars) should always be at the top and to the flag's own right (observer's left).
- The U.S. flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
- On a vehicle, the flag should be firmly fixed to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
- The flag should not be used as drapery, bedding, clothing, or vehicle covering.
Folding and Storage
- Always fold the U.S. flag into the traditional triangle shape.
- Never wad it up or store it where it can become dirty or damaged.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not dip the flag to any person or object.
- Do not let the flag touch the ground.
- Do not fly the flag upside down unless in an emergency.
- Do not use the flag for advertising or as apparel.
- Do not write on or mark the flag.
- Do not tie or fasten it to allow it to fall freely.
Memorial Day Flag Protocol FAQs
When should I lower my flag on Memorial Day? The U.S. flag should be flown at half-staff until noon and then raised to full-staff until sunset.
What's the proper way to hang the flag on a wall? Vertically: union (blue field with stars) at top and to the flag's own right (observer's left). Horizontally: union at top and observer's left.
Which side of the porch to hang the American flag? The U.S. flag should go to the observer's left, which is the flag's own right.
Is it illegal to fly the American flag at night without a light? No, but it should be properly illuminated if displayed at night.
Do all veterans get a flag on their grave on Memorial Day? Not automatically. Many cemeteries and local organizations place flags, but it is not required.
Can state flags fly at the same height as the U.S. flag? Yes, if they are on separate flagpoles of equal height. On the same staff, the U.S. flag must be on top.
What flags can't be flown under the American flag? No flag should be above the U.S. flag. It should also not be displayed with commercial or decorative flags beneath it.
Is it illegal to fly a flag above the U.S. flag? Per the U.S. Flag Code, no other flag should be flown above the U.S. flag.
Read More: US Flag Code
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