Proper Memorial Day flag etiquette is an important way to honor those who have died in military service to the United States. Here are the key guidelines:
Flag Etiquette on Memorial Day
- Flag at Half-Staff: On Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon. This symbolizes mourning for the nation’s fallen soldiers, reflecting the collective grief of a grateful nation.
- Raising the Flag: At noon, the flag should be raised briskly to the top of the staff and remain there until sunset. This represents the resolve of the living to carry on the fight for freedom, honoring the sacrifices made by those who came before.
- Proper Display: Ensure the flag is displayed properly:
- When displayed on a wall or window, the union (blue field of stars) should be at the top left from the observer’s perspective.
- When flown with other flags, the U.S. flag should be at the center and highest point.
- Do not let the flag touch the ground.
- Respect: Always handle the flag with respect. Do not use it for decoration, wear it as clothing, or display it in a way that could be perceived as disrespectful.
- Illumination: If the flag is displayed outdoors and remains up overnight, it should be properly illuminated.
- Proper Disposal: If a flag becomes worn or damaged, it should be retired respectfully, preferably by burning, in accordance with flag disposal guidelines set by the American Legion or other veteran organizations.
History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, has its roots in the aftermath of the Civil War. The Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865, claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history, necessitating the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. By the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.
On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle. On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Civil War soldiers buried there.
Memorial Day as we know it gradually came into practice over the following decades. By the late 19th century, communities across the country had begun to observe it, and after World War I, the day expanded to honor all those who have died in American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday, observed on the last Monday of May each year.
The tradition of flying the flag at half-staff until noon and then raising it to the top of the staff until sunset on Memorial Day serves as a powerful reminder of the day’s purpose: to honor and remember the men and women who have given their lives in service to the United States. By following proper flag etiquette and understanding the history of Memorial Day, we pay our respects and show our gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice.
