How to properly hang, display the US flag for Memorial Day

Memorial Day, the federal holiday honoring people who have died while serving in the United States military, is Monday.

Ceremonies and parades will take place across Greater Cincinnati to recognize the holiday. Here's how to respectfully handle the flag during Memorial Day and other times of remembrance.

Flag etiquette for Memorial Day

The following guidelines have been sourced from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

The flag should be flown at half-staff

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the U.S. flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day to signify a period of mourning. After noon, the flag should be raised to full-staff until sunset.

Position the U.S. flag at the top of a staff

If displaying the U.S. flag on a staff alongside other flags, the U.S. flag must be positioned at the top of the staff.

Illuminate the flag after sunset

Some guidelines state the flag should be displayed in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the VA specifies the flag may be displayed at all times as long as it's illuminated after sunset.

Hang the U.S. flag properly

When the U.S. flag is hung on a wall of any kind, it should be laid flat to avoid folds in the fabric. When suspended over a street, the flag should be hung with the union facing north or east according to the direction of the street.

Never display the flag with the union down unless you are signaling distress.

When hanging the flag somewhere, do not let it touch the ground.

Do not use the U.S. flag for the following purposes:

• As a container for any items.
• As apparel, clothing, bedding or drapery.
• As a print on paper napkins, paper plates or anything else intended to be later discarded.

Is damaging, defacing the U.S. flag illegal in Ohio?

As stated in the Ohio Revised Code, purposefully defacing, damaging, polluting or physically mistreating the U.S. flag could be charged as a second-degree misdemeanor.