Saluting the Stars and Stripes in honor of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day reserved to honor the memory of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms while in service to our country.

The Flag Manufacturers Association of America hopes that all Americans will join them in displaying the flag of our country in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 30.

Flying the American flag would not only be an expression of gratitude and respect for those who died, but also show support for the men and women who are continuing now to fight to keep our country safe.

In observance of Memorial Day, FMAA recommends that all US citizens:

•    Fly the US flag at half-staff until noon.  For US flags displayed on a short staff or for indoor flags that cannot be lowered to half-staff, tie a black bow above the full-staffed US flag.

•    Fly the “POW/MIA” flag as well.

•    Visit cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

•    Visit memorials and take part in services sponsored by veterans.

•    Participate in a “National Moment of Remembrance” at 3:00pm.  Take a few moments to reflect on the true meaning of the day and be mindful of the sacrifices of others in defense of our nation.

•    Make a pledge to aid those families affected by our fallen heroes, and to aid disabled veterans.

The correct procedure for displaying the flag at half-staff is to raise the flag to the top of the pole briskly, pause for a moment, and then slowly bring it down to where the top of the flag is at a position approximately halfway between the top and bottom of the pole.  At noon, the flag should be raised quickly to the top of the flag pole.  At the end of the day, the flag should be lowered slowly and ceremoniously for the day.

With Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day all within a few short weeks of each other, summer is prime time for flying your flag.  Before hanging your flag, FMAA encourages all citizens to be sure it truly is an American made flag.  US law requires every flag be labeled with its “Country of Origin”.  Those designated “Made in the USA” may be true to their name.  However, only those bearing the FMAA Certification seal are guaranteed to adhere to the standards and continued compliance as monitored by a professional association and its domestic members.

The Flag Manufacturers Association of America is a non-profit trade association, established in 2003, dedicated to educating and promoting the quality, variety, and proper use of flags manufactured in the United States.

For more information on the Flag Manufacturers Association of America, visit their website at www.fmaa-usa.com.