Memorial Day Flag Etiquette: What You Need to Know

Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start of summer, it’s a day of remembrance for the brave men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. One of the most powerful ways New Yorkers can honor their memory is by flying the American flag, but did you know there is a specific way to do it?

Before you raise Old Glory, here’s a simple guide to the proper flag etiquette for Memorial Day.

When to Fly the Flag at Half-Staff

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the American flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day. At 12 p.m. sharp, the flag is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day until dusk.

This two-part ritual is symbolic:

• Half-staff in the morning honors and mourns those who lost their lives.

• Raising it to full-staff at noon represents the nation's strength and the commitment to continue the mission of those who served.

Displaying the Flag at Home

If you’re flying the flag from your porch, house, or a pole on your property:

• When hanging vertically or in a window, make sure the union (the blue field of stars) is positioned to the observer’s left.

• If suspended from a building, the union should be at the peak.

• If your flag cannot be flown at half-staff, it’s acceptable to attach a black mourning ribbon just below the finial (the top ornament on the flagpole) to honor the day’s meaning.

Important: The flag must be clean, untorn, and in good condition. If it’s faded or damaged, it should be retired respectfully. Many communities offer flag retirement ceremonies on Flag Day, June 14.

Can You Fly the Flag at Night?

Yes, but only if it’s properly lit. While tradition once said the flag should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset, it’s now acceptable to fly it 24/7 as long as it’s illuminated during the night. A simple outdoor spotlight works well.

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Also, avoid flying the flag in harsh weather unless it’s made of all-weather material.

Flags at Cemeteries

One of the most meaningful Memorial Day traditions is placing small flags on veterans' graves:

• The flag should be placed one foot in front of the headstone, centered.

• Some cemeteries have built-in holders. If not, gently insert the flag’s staff into the ground, but check with cemetery staff before placing flags.

• After Memorial Day, flags should be removed respectfully and stored or retired according to American Legion guidelines.

Flag Etiquette at Parades and Events

• On a parade float, the American flag must be mounted on a staff or allowed to hang freely.

• Never drape the flag over a vehicle.

• If carried with other flags, the U.S. flag should be in front or on its marching right (the flag’s right).

• When displayed over a street, the union should face north or east, depending on the direction of the road.

When Is The American Flag Flown at Half-Staff?

Outside of Memorial Day, flags may be flown at half-staff only if ordered by the President or a state governor, typically after the death of a government official or national tragedy. These periods include:

• 30 days for the President or former President.
• 10 days for Vice Presidents, Supreme Court Chief Justices, and House Speakers.
• Until interment for members of Congress, Cabinet members, and high-ranking state officials.

A casket flag, which draped a veteran’s coffin, can be displayed afterward in the home as a tribute. There is no rule against repurposing it for proper patriotic display. Improper use of half-staff display, especially without official orders, can unintentionally diminish the act’s significance.

Why the Flag is Raised at Noon

After a morning of remembrance, raising the flag at noon signals the country’s intention to continue living in a way that honors those who gave their lives.

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It’s a reminder that while we grieve, we also stand tall.