Memorial Day is the unofficial start of the summer. Families all across the country will be attending parades, setting up for picnics, and traveling on vacation.
On this day we all take time to honor all who have served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces. Americans everywhere will proudly be wearing red, white and blue colors in memory of those who have given their lives for our freedom, and Old Glory will be beautifully displayed on homes and porches across the country.
If you choose to show your patriotism by waving the American flag, here’s some basic flag etiquette tips to keep in mind.
- The flag is typically waved from sunrise to sunset, but it can be waved 24 hours a day on patriotic holidays, if illuminated.
- Unless you have an all-weather flag, only raise it in good weather conditions.
- Keep your flag clean and in good condition. Neatly fold it for storage.
- Never wear or wrap yourself in the American flag as it’s considered disrespectful.
- If waved with a group of flags, the American flag should be in the center and at the highest point.
- Flying the star and stripes upside down is a signal for distress.
- Your flag should not touch the ground during lowering.
- If your flag is worn out and no longer fit for flying, it should be burned in a dignified manner.
- When storing your flag, it should be clean, mended and folded neatly.
- When your flag is tattered, worn out and no longer fit for flying, it should be burned in a dignified manner.
