Did you know according to the Flag Code, the U.S. flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing? Since there isn’t anything law enforcement can do when the Flag Code is violated, most people pay no attention to or are simply unaware of flag etiquette. Traditional observance of Memorial Day seems to have faded in recent years and many Americans may have forgotten the meaning of this holiday.

 

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.

~Joseph Campbell

Here’s a quick history lesson: Memorial Day was officially proclaimed by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, on May 5, 1868. It was first observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. After World War I, the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war. It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363). (www.usmemorialday.org)

As you honor American soldiers this Memorial Day, keep these flag flying tips in mind:

  • On Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half-staff until mid-day. It should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
  • When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from a window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.
  • When hanging the American flag from a window or draped from the edge of a building, always hang the flag vertically with the field of stars to the left of anyone viewing it.
  • When displaying a flag on the car, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
  • Always hang the American flag above any other flag on the same pole.
  • Only display an American flag that is in respectable condition. A torn or tattered flag should not be displayed.
  • All weather flags: most flags are all-weather flags (always refer to the packaging). These are permitted to fly during inclement weather, according to the flag code.
  • The flag may be displayed for 24 hours if properly illuminated after sunset.
  • As a sign of respect to our country and our flag it is proper to place one’s hand over heart during a parade or during a flag raising or lowering ceremony. Servicemen and women should give the military salute.

For a complete listing of U.S. flag etiquette, please click here.