You are likely to see a lot of American flags waving today, but many people are not familiar with proper flag etiquette for Memorial Day.  The U.S. flag code is specific about how Old Glory should be raised and lowered, and for how long it should remain lowered during the day.

On Memorial Day, the flag should be briskly raised to the peak and remain there for an instant before it is slowly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains until noon. Then the flag is briskly hoisted to the peak again, where Old Glory remains until sunset, when it is slowly lowered.

For flags that are mounted from the front of a home, window or balcony, a black crepe streamer can be affixed to the staff immediately below the flag’s spearhead. On a standard-size flag, the crepe should be no wider than one foot.

In all cases, the flag needs to be in pristine condition and isn’t tattered and torn, and that its red and white bars and the union (the blue field of stars) are bright and vibrant. If the flag is no longer suitable for display, dispose of it properly, preferably in a ceremonial burning. American Legion posts and other veterans groups often have flag-disposal ceremonies.