2016 Memorial Day Flag Etiquette, When to Salute: 5 Things to Know

By BETH DALBEY (Patch Staff)

WILMINGTON, MA - Many Americans pausing Monday on Memorial Day to remember soldiers who died serving their country will fly flags at half-staff in tribute.

But the ritual is not as simple as raising the flag halfway up the pole and locking it in place.

Here are five things to know about proper flag etiquette on Memorial Day, as well as how to properly show respect as the colors are presented in ceremonies being held around the country this weekend.

The flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only on Memorial Day, and then should be raised to the top of the staff.

When raising the flag to half-staff, it “should be hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position,” according to U.S. Code Title 4 Chapter 1, Section 7. “The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.”

During ceremonies when the flag is hoisted or raised, spectators who aren’t in military uniform should face the flag, stand at attention and place their right hands over their hearts. Others should:

• If you’re in uniform, give a proper military salute;
• If you're a man who is not in uniform, but you're wearing a hat, take it off with your right hand and hold it at your left shoulder so your palm rests on your heart;
• If you’re not a U.S. citizen, stand at attention.

When the flag advances in a moving column, it is appropriate to salute it as it passes.

Make sure flag is in pristine condition and isn’t tattered and torn, and that its red and white stripes and the union (the blue field of stars) are bright and vibrant. If the flag is no longer suitable for display, dispose of it properly, preferably in a ceremonial burning. American Legion posts and other veteran groups often have flag-disposal ceremonies.

Source: U.S. Flag Code

Image credit: Joe Campbell via Flickr / Creative Commons