( NEXSTAR)-- Memorial Day has a fairly basic purpose: honor those who have died in American wars. What isn't as easy is how the American flag ought to be flown to mark the vacation.
Three years after the Civil War ended, Decoration Day was developed. It was planned as a time for the country to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It was later set for May 30 to correspond with flowers being in blossom. Years later, the vacation would be renamed Memorial Day.
According to the VA, while about 25 locations have actually been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, the official birth place was declared Waterloo,
New York, by Congress and President Lyndon Johnson in 1966. A ceremony was held there on May 5 of that year, honoring local veterans who had battled in the Civil War. Services closed and flags were flown at half-staff.
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Up till the end of World War I, the day continued to honor those who had battled in the Civil War. In 1971, Memorial Day was stated a legal holiday by Congress, placing the day on the last Monday in May to honor those who have actually died in all American wars. For numerous, part of honoring those individuals entails flying the flag proudly in their front backyards..
According to the United States Code, Old Glory is flown a little in a different way on Memorial Day.
The code-- which formally deals with lots of subjects-- says the American flag should fly at half-staff from sunrise till noon on Memorial Day. This is one of only six events in which the flag flies at half-staff.
Wish to dodge Memorial Day crowds? You might wish to prevent these locations.
Whether the flag is flying at half-staff or full-staff, it should just be displayed from sunrise to sunset on structures and on stationary flagstaffs outdoors. When raised, it should constantly be done briskly; when reduced, it needs to be done so ceremoniously. The flag can stay up at all times if illuminated at night.
American flags on walls ought to be hung so the union, or stars, are in the top left corner. The very same must be said for those awaiting windows-- however the union must be in the upper left corner for those viewing it from the exterior.
In only one scenario can a flag or pennant be shown above the U.S. flag: During church services conducted at sea by marine chaplains for personnel of the Navy, the church pennant may appear above the American flag.
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