While we gather with family and friends over Memorial Day weekend, it’s important to remember that it’s meant as a time to honor those who died serving our country -- a day for reflection and gratitude.
We often show respect by displaying flags, but many don’t know the special flag traditions and etiquette for the day.
On Memorial Day, the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full-staff.
The flag should be briefly raised to the top before being lowered and again raised before being taken down.
Here are some other rules to remember: When hung on a wall, the union should always be at the top.
The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
And when stored, it should be folded into a triangle shape.
If your flag is worn out, don’t just throw it away. There’s a special way to dispose of it.
Just in time for Memorial Day, the city has installed a U.S. Flag Retirement Drop Box at City Hall, outside the Military Affairs and Veterans Department office on North Laura Street. It’s available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The city’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department will coordinate the proper disposal of all flags left in the box, working with local veterans’ organizations to ensure they are retired according to the U.S. Flag Code.