Memorial Day and Veterans Day both call for respect, but they do not carry the same meaning or the same flag schedule. Good preparation begins by naming the observance correctly.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day honors members of the Armed Forces who died in service to the United States. Federal flag guidance calls for the United States flag to be flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to the top of the staff for the remainder of the day. The movement at noon is part of the observance and should be planned rather than treated as a routine adjustment.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day honors all who served in the United States Armed Forces. It is not, by itself, a recurring federal half-staff day. A separate presidential or state proclamation can change the display requirement for a particular time or location, so check current official notices before the event.
Military funeral honors and burial flags
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides a United States burial flag for an eligible Veteran or member of the Selected Reserve. The flag may drape the casket or accompany the urn. A military funeral honors detail includes at least two uniformed service members, and one represents the decedent's service branch. The ceremonial folding and presentation of that flag are not a merchandising moment.
A retail United States flag is not automatically a VA burial flag. Do not attach words, symbols, keepsakes, or advertising to a burial flag. Families can keep it, display it carefully, or ask a national cemetery or Veterans Service Organization about donation for appropriate ceremonial use.
Folding, storage, and care
- Lower the flag under control and do not allow it to touch the ground or floor.
- Confirm that it is clean and completely dry before folding or storage.
- Use clean hands and a clean work surface; support the fabric rather than dragging it across hardware.
- The traditional triangular fold is a widely recognized presentation method, but the Flag Code does not prescribe one mandatory fold for every circumstance.
- Store the flag in a clean, dry, protected location away from abrasion, moisture, sunlight, and contaminants.
- Separate official, burial, service, remembrance, and event flags in storage so their purpose and custody remain clear.
When a United States flag is worn
The Flag Code says a flag that is no longer a fitting emblem for display should be destroyed in a dignified manner. Local American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Scout, municipal, cemetery, and community organizations may provide retirement guidance or ceremonies. Confirm the receiving organization's current procedure before leaving a flag.
A ceremony-day checklist
- Check current federal, state, installation, cemetery, or facility half-staff notices.
- Confirm sunrise, noon, sunset, and illumination requirements.
- Inspect flag condition, attachments, halyard, staff, base, and clearance.
- Assign the people responsible for raising, lowering, folding, custody, and storage.
- Keep product promotion and photography separate from the formal honors sequence.
- Have a weather and equipment contingency that preserves respectful handling.
Official references
- 4 U.S.C. §7 — Position and manner of display, including Memorial Day half-staff timing
- Department of Veterans Affairs — Burial Flags
- Department of Veterans Affairs — What to Expect at Military Funeral Honors
- Department of Veterans Affairs — Guidelines for Display of the Flag
- Department of Veterans Affairs — Traditional Flag Folding
