Happy Memorial Day to everyone! We hope you are enjoying this long weekend with your family and friends, and most importantly, taking the time to say thanks or a prayer for those men and women in the U.S. armed forces who have died while insuring our freedoms.

Memorial Day is a time when many of us take care to fly the United States flag at our homes or businesses. But this isn’t as simple as buying a flag and sticking it in the ground. Before flying our flag, you should learn about the U.S. Flag Code, the national protocol that determines appropriate flag presentation.

I confess that I am a huge stickler for flag etiquette. If you are a local business who flies any flags and doesn’t follow the rules, you can guarantee I have noticed it.

I am very disapproving when a flag is still flying that should have long since been retired; or when a flag is being flown at night without a light; or when a flag appears on t-shirts (or OMG worse, running shorts!) or rugs; or when a folded flag has any red showing. (I know, right? Flag nerd! I even know the words to “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”)

Still, all patriotic Americans (not just self-proclaimed flag nerds) should take a minute to read about American flag etiquette, and make sure you are displaying the Stars and Bars properly. Especially as we enter the season of flag holidays (Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Veteran’s Day).

These rules don’t just apply to government offices and businesses; private citizens should recognize these flag traditions at home as well. Yes… this means bringing your flag in each night and not leaving it out in front of your house in the dark! Following flag etiquette is the best way to demonstrate to your neighbors and children that you respect the United States flag and all it stands for—including those who died to protect it.

And I’ll throw in a little plug for Dixie Flag Company, whose flag etiquette page I linked above; if you have flag or banner needs, you should give them a call. It is a good company and the Van de Puttes are very good people.