As Memorial Day weekend rolls in, it's easy to get swept up in the rhythms of summer: grilling with friends, lounging by the lake, and soaking in the sunshine. But behind the long weekend lies a solemn purpose: honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Amid the Memorial Day activities and patriotic fanfare, it's worth remembering what the holiday truly stands for. Flying the American flag isn't just tradition: it's a meaningful tribute. Whether it's waving from your front porch or standing tall in your yard, the stars and stripes serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice Memorial Day represents.
Before you go to hang Old Glory, you should know that there are specific directives for Memorial Day and rules on flying the American flag at half-staff. So, if you need a refresher before showing off your patriotic pride, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about displaying the flag during the holiday weekend. Then when you wish to store it safely until Flag Day or the 4th of July, just be sure you know how to fold the American flag the proper way, too.
What is the proper flag etiquette for Memorial Day?
According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, "On Memorial Day the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes." As for displaying the flag on your home, code says the union of the flag should be placed at the peak unless the flag is at half-staff. When it's suspended from a rope extending from the building on a pole, the flag should be hoisted out from the building, union first.
While it can be difficult to display a flag from your home or porch at half-staff, there is a workaround. If you are unable to display the flag at half-staff on Memorial Day, it is also accepted practice to display your flag with a black mourning ribbon to acknowledge the somber meaning of the day and show respect. The ribbon should be affixed to the staff right below the spearhead and on a standard-size flag, should be no wider than one foot. If you want to place the American flag in your window or on a wall, it should be displayed with the union stars to the left of the observer in the street.
No matter where you display the flag, it needs to be in pristine condition. That means it shouldn't be tattered or torn and the stripes and union should be bright and vibrant. If the flag is no longer suitable for display, be sure to dispose of it properly.
Can you fly the American flag at night without a light?
A few things to note here: In the past, the flag was to only be displayed from sunrise to sunset, but now, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag can be displayed twenty-four hours a day if it's properly illuminated during darkness. Something like a spotlight in your yard will do the trick! You should also keep in mind that the flag should never be subject to weather damage unless it's specifically an all-weather flag. So, watch out for rainy or windy days.
How do you display a flag at a parade?
When it comes to all of those parades, if the flag is displayed on a float, it needs to be hung from a staff or suspended so it falls free. Additionally, you should never drape the flag over a vehicle. When carried in procession with other flags, the U.S. flag should be either on the marching right (the flag's right) or to the front and center of the flag line. When displayed over a street, place the union so it faces north or east, depending upon the direction of the street.
Do you put small flags out for Memorial Day?
Another Memorial Day tradition is placing small flags on the graves of those who gave their all for our country. If you wish to do so, there's proper etiquette for that, too. The correct placement of an American flag at a veteran’s grave is one foot in front of the headstone, in the center. Some military cemeteries already have flag holders installed in the correct position at the gravesites for you to do this. If there is no flag holder, you'll want to securely insert the staff of the flag into the earth. Just be sure to ask the cemetery director first. When the holiday is over, the American Legion says to "follow the practice of removing flags from veterans’ graves as soon as possible after Memorial Day."
Why does the flag go back up at noon on Memorial Day?
If you've ever noticed the American flag being raised from half-staff to full-staff at noon on Memorial Day, you're witnessing a powerful and intentional gesture of national tradition.
The day begins with the flag at half-staff to honor and mourn the military service members who gave their lives in defense of the country. Then, at noon, the flag is raised to full-staff. This shift isn't random; it symbolizes the nation's resolve to carry on, living in a way that honors the sacrifices made. It's a statement of resilience and remembrance, meant to inspire the living to continue the work of those who served, protecting freedom and upholding American values.
This unique protocol makes Memorial Day distinct among national observances, offering both a moment to grieve and a moment to stand tall.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.
