The American flag is so majestic, proudly blowing in the wind!
Flying a flag, the emblem of our identity as a sovereign nation honors our great country and those who have served to protect it. Memorial Day is a day to honor and show respect to our men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. My father served in the U.S. Army. He taught me how to respect our flag. My husband and I are proud to live in the village of Farmington, where American flags hang on the street poles along Main Street from May until September. We hang our American flag over the front door at Fox Hall most of the year, as do the majority of our neighbors.
Did you know that is appropriate to fly the flag at half-staff on Memorial Day, but only until noon?
This procedure is to show respect for the ultimate sacrifice our servicemen and women have made for our country, the land of the free.
Why until noon? This custom dates back to approximately 1906 when an Army regulations book indicated the instructions for this tradition. Lowering it in the morning is meant to honor the dead, and then raising it to full staff at noon is to honor the living.
Do you know how to properly fly a flag at half-staff?
A flag should be hoisted to the top of the mast first, for just a moment, and then lowered to half-staff. Then, at night, when a half-staff flag is being retired, it is first hoisted back up to the top again, for a moment in it’s honor, and then lowered for the day.
Flag etiquette, for when a flag is being hoisted up the flagpole:
Spectators not in military uniform should face the flag and place a hand over their heart.
If a man is wearing a hat the hat is removed and held in his hand over his heart.
Military spectators in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present, but not in uniform, may give the military salute.
Presentation flag protocol:
When the flag is hung vertically on a wall, window, or door, the Union should be to the observer's left.
When a flag is projecting out from a building on a pole, the Union, should be at the top of the pole.
With American flags flying high across our country today, I wish you a happy Memorial Day with your family!
Note: There is an official U.S. Code for our flag protocol. It also states the special rules for what is not done as well.
The village of Farmington has flags displayed along Main Street which is a state designated “Scenic Road.” An all American parade takes place along Main Street and is followed by a thoughtful Memorial ceremony in the village graveyard, on the morning of Memorial Day.