Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is one of the most solemn holidays on the American calendar. This year, Memorial Day falls on May 26th, a day set aside to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Unlike Veterans Day or Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day specifically remembers those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

If you plan to display the American flag on Memorial Day, it's important to follow proper protocol to show the respect this day deserves.

Half-Staff Protocol

On Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to full staff from noon until sunset. This tradition symbolizes remembrance in the morning and resilience in the afternoon, honoring the fallen while celebrating the freedoms they died to protect.

To properly display the flag at half-staff, raise it briskly to the top of the pole first, then lower it to the half-staff position (approximately halfway down the pole). When lowering the flag at the end of the day, raise it again to full staff briefly before bringing it down completely.

If you have an illuminated flag that flies 24 hours, the same half-staff protocol applies: half-staff from midnight to noon, then full staff from noon to midnight.

Preparing Your Flag for Memorial Day

With Memorial Day just days away, now is the time to inspect your flag. Check for fraying, fading, or tears, Memorial Day deserves a flag in good condition. If your flag is worn or damaged, consider replacing it before the holiday. A fresh, vibrant flag is a visible sign of respect for those we're honoring.

Also check your flagpole hardware. Make sure halyards (ropes) are in good condition, snap hooks are functioning properly, and any lighting is working if you plan to fly your flag overnight.

A Day of Remembrance

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend. It's a time to pause and reflect on the cost of freedom. Flying your flag at half-staff until noon is a small but meaningful gesture that honors the sacrifices made by so many.

Next week, we'll wrap up our Military Appreciation Month series with a look at military flag etiquette and traditions that carry meaning year-round.