Memorial Day, however, is the only day the flag is flown at half-staff for a portion of the day. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the American flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset. The first half of the day honors those who lost their lives while serving their country; the second half of the day represents American courage.

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“I request the Governors of the United States and its Commonwealths and Territories, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period.”

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On days when the flag is flown at half-staff, the U.S. flag code dictates it is raised briskly to the top of the flagpole for a moment before it is lowered. When taken down at night, it is raised to the top of the flag pole again and then lowered to the bottom.

A giant American flag flies at Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam on Memorial Day. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican)

This Jordanian flag has decorative fringe added to the outer edge. The fringe adds a note of elegance to presentations and ceremonies. Fringed flags are often used for flag displays in auditoriums, courtrooms, and on stages.

Memorial Day is one of two days on which federal law requires American flags to be flown at half-staff. The other day is National Peace Officers Memorial Day which is commemorated each year on May 15.