Flying the Flag This Memorial Day? Here’s What to Know About Proper Flag Etiquette

Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start to summer — it’s a time to pause, reflect, and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. As a veteran and local business owner here in Fort Bend County, I just want to share a few reminders about how we can respectfully display our flags this weekend — and why it matters.

U.S. Flag Display Etiquette for Memorial Day

• Half-Staff Until Noon: On Memorial Day, the American flag should be flown at half-staff until 12:00 p.m. local time, then raised briskly to full-staff for the rest of the day. This honors our fallen heroes in the morning and symbolizes our commitment to continue fighting for freedom afterward.
• Proper Orientation: If you’re mounting the flag at an angle from your home or porch, make sure the union (the blue field with stars) is at the peak of the staff — never upside down or drooping.
• Sunrise to Sunset (or Light It Up): The flag should be displayed only from sunrise to sunset unless it’s properly illuminated after dark.
• Keep It Clean and Tidy: Torn, faded, or weather-damaged flags should be retired and replaced. Many local VFW posts and American Legion chapters will accept worn flags for proper retirement.

Memorial Day: More Than a Long Weekend

Memorial Day is often confused with Veterans Day — but they serve different purposes. Veterans Day honors all who served. Memorial Day honors those who never came home. For me, it’s a personal reminder to pause and remember the fallen, and I hope you’ll take a moment to do the same.

You don’t need to attend a big ceremony or make a public gesture. Sometimes, just flying your flag with intention and pausing for a quiet moment of thanks is enough.

Want to Show Your Patriotism This Weekend?

If you’ve got a flag and a bracket ready to go, this weekend is the perfect time to display it. If you’re unsure where to mount it, or need help finding the right materials, I’m always happy to point you in the right direction — especially if it helps more folks get a flag flying before Monday.

I do care deeply about helping people make their homes look cared for and patriotic. Flying the flag correctly is one small way to show pride and respect — and I love seeing more of them pop up around the neighborhood this time of year.

Wishing You a Safe and Meaningful Memorial Day

However you’re spending the long weekend — with family, food, or maybe just catching up on rest — I hope you’ll join me in remembering the real reason behind the day.

Thank you to all who have served, and especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I’m taking off part of the weekend, but still accepting new service requests if your lawn or home needs a little attention after the holiday.

– Ken