By James FitzPatrick
When Memorial Day arrives on Monday, May 30, so will the flags.
One by one, Old Glory will spring up on houses in the neighborhood. It can even get competitive as neighbors check on neighbors to see who got their flag out sooner.
But American flags aren’t meant to be a mere spring decorating accessory, especially on Memorial Day. We fly them to honor the men and women who, in the words of President Abraham Lincoln, “gave the last full measure of devotion” to their country.
In keeping with the profound significance of the flag, the United States has a Flag Code, which spells out in precise detail the rules for flying our nation’s colors. First adopted in 1923, it has gone through numerous amendments, the latest in 2017, defining the who, what, where, when, how and why of deploying the American Flag.
On Memorial Day the displaying of the American Flag gets a special protocol, notes Larry Pacentrilli, commander of American Legion Post 469 in Longport.
“The National Flag Code states that on Memorial Day, the flag shall be flown at half-mast until noon, after which time the flag shall be fully raised,” he said. “This symbolic positioning of the flag at half mast during the morning, acknowledges those who gave their lives in the defense of our nation.”
Then at noon the flag is raised high and the focus changes
“The raising of the flag symbolizes the American spirit, rising in celebration of the freedoms we enjoy, thanks to those who made that ultimate sacrifice. We raise our flag and stand as one people, in celebration of being Americans.”
Those who pay close attention know that when it comes to the flag, there is a right way and a wrong way of showing your patriotism, however sincere. As past president of the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 166 in Ocean City, Marie Gilmore has noticed a few flag protocol errors that seem to come up frequently, which she shared with Shore Local News.
When displayed in a group, the American Flag should always be displayed as the tallest flag. It must always fly higher than all others.
In a parade, other flags may be “dipped,” but the American Flag Should never be dipped.
The American Flag, if flown at home, should always be illuminated. That means that if there is no artificial light source available it should be out in the daytime only.
When it is displayed elsewhere at half-staff, your home flag should have a black ribbon attached to the staff. The ribbon should be the same width as a red stripe and only as long as a red or white stripe.
The American Flag should never be put on the ground. But if it does touch the ground, despite popular myth, it does not have to be destroyed,
If a flag becomes tattered and torn it should be discarded, but in the proper way by burning. Often your local Scout troop or veterans organizations will conduct flag burning ceremonies for the purpose. If it cannot be burned, the field of stars should be cut from the flag, making it no longer a flag.
The U.S. Flag Code provides a long list of guidelines, including:
Do not fly it in inclement weather. Better to leave it inside if Memorial Day is a washout this year.
You can display a flag on any day you wish, not just on national holidays or to mark a solemn event. It’s okay to be patriotic at any time.
If you choose to hang your flag vertically in a window or wall, the union or field of blue portion should be on the observer’s upper left
The union should be at the peak of the staff if the flag is hung from the side of a building or structure.
When part of a line of march, parade or procession it should either be to the right of the marchers or front and center.
The Flag Code also covers some other topics that one might not think of at first. That American Flag bathing suit you bought to celebrate the end of the COVID lockdowns does not adhere to the rule that states that the flag should never be used as wearing apparel.
Looking for some patriotic napkins for your Memorial Day cookout? Make sure you settle for red, white and blue and avoid flags. The code states that the flag should never be used for advertising purposes, including being printed on a paper napkin or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discarded.
To learn more about the proper way to display and honor the American Flag, start your journey at USA.gov.
