Memorial Day, observed on Monday, May 25, 2026, is one of the most significant flag holidays on the American calendar. It's also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to proper display etiquette. Here's exactly how to fly your flag correctly this Memorial Day.
Half-Staff on Memorial Day: The Rule
By presidential proclamation, the American flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to full-staff from noon until sunset. This tradition has been in place since 1950.
The half-staff period honors fallen military personnel. The raising to full-staff at noon represents the living nation — a resolve that the sacrifice of those who died was not in vain.
Step-by-Step: Flying the Flag Correctly on Memorial Day
- Sunrise: Raise the flag briskly to the top of the staff, then slowly lower it to half-staff position (halfway between top and bottom)
- Noon: Raise the flag briskly back to full-staff and leave it flying until sunset
- Sunset: Lower the flag ceremonially and bring it inside or fold it properly
Other Flag Display Rules for Memorial Day
- Flags should only be flown from sunrise to sunset unless properly illuminated — the TelePatriot Solar Light ($347.62) makes all-night display possible
- The American flag should always fly at the highest point when displayed with other flags
- A tattered or worn flag should be retired respectfully before the holiday — many VFW posts and American Legion chapters hold flag retirement ceremonies
- When displayed on a house-mounted bracket, fly the flag from the building's perspective — grommets toward the house, union (blue field) at the top
The Skip Bedell Memorial Day Kit
TV personality and patriot Skip Bedell put together a Memorial Day package specifically for this holiday. The Skip Bedell Memorial Day Phoenix Flagpole Kit (from $1,099) includes the Phoenix telescoping pole, American flag, and everything needed for a complete Memorial Day display — with Skip's personal guarantee behind it.
Order by May 22nd for Memorial Day Delivery
If you're ordering a flagpole or flags for Memorial Day, May 22nd is the cutoff for standard shipping to most U.S. addresses. Expedited options are available — contact us directly if you need guaranteed delivery before May 25th.
A Day Worth Doing Right
Memorial Day isn't just a long weekend. It's a day set aside to honor the 1.3 million Americans who gave their lives in service to this country. Flying your flag correctly — half-staff until noon, full-staff from noon to sunset — is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to participate in that remembrance.
