With the spring holiday season on the horizon, veterans organizations such as the Veterans National Alliance and Veterans of Foreign Wars have released updated flag protocol guidelines to ensure proper respect is shown throughout key observances in 2026. Major General Linda Thompson highlights the enduring significance of these practices as a tribute to those who served. How will these renewed guidelines influence public ceremonies and personal commemorations this year?
Key Takeaways
- Veterans groups have issued updated guidelines for proper flag display during the spring holiday season.
- Key dates for flag protocol in 2026 include Easter, Loyalty Day, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day.
- Displaying the flag correctly honors the nation’s heritage and those who have served.
- Respecting the flag is a meaningful way to pay tribute to veterans and their sacrifices.
“Respecting the flag is a timeless way to honor those who have served,” said Major General Linda Thompson, U.S. Army (Ret.), spokesperson for the Veterans National Alliance. As the spring holiday season approaches, veterans groups across the country have come together to announce updated flag protocol guidelines, aiming to ensure that the American flag is displayed with dignity and in accordance with tradition during celebrations such as Memorial Day, Easter, and Armed Forces Day.
Core Flag-Protocol Dates in the Spring Holiday Season
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the U.S. Army have identified several key dates in 2026 for flag display during the spring holiday season. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ MIRECC/CoE calendar, Easter Sunday falls on April 5, 2026, followed by Loyalty Day and Law Day USA on May 1. Mother’s Day is observed on May 10, and the Memorial Day holiday is observed on May 25. Veterans groups emphasize the importance of displaying the flag properly on these dates to honor the nation’s heritage and those who have served.
“Respecting the flag is a timeless way to honor those who have served,” said Major General Linda Thompson, U.S. Army (Ret.), spokesperson for the Veterans National Alliance.
Proper flag display on these occasions reflects respect for the country and its armed forces. The guidelines encourage citizens and organizations to follow established flag protocols consistently throughout the spring holidays to maintain uniformity and dignity in all observances.
Spring Dates Requiring Half-Staff Observance
Certain spring holidays call for the American flag to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect and remembrance. The MIRECC/CoE guidance specifies Peace Officers’ Memorial Day on May 15, 2026, as a day when flags should be lowered to half-staff until sunset. Memorial Day carries a unique half-staff protocol: flags are lowered from sunrise until noon and then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day. This practice honors those who died in military service and distinguishes Memorial Day from Veterans Day, which celebrates all veterans.
Additional half-staff observances include National Firefighters Memorial Day on May 3. Veterans groups note that adherence to these protocols reinforces the solemnity of these commemorations and underscores the nation’s gratitude toward public servants and fallen heroes.
Armed Forces Day and Related Flag Requirements
Armed Forces Day, observed on May 16, 2026, is another significant occasion highlighted by veterans organizations. The MIRECC/CoE calendar marks this date with a special notation indicating additional flag-related requirements. Notably, the POW/MIA Flag must be flown alongside the American flag at designated federal and military sites, including the White House, U.S. Capitol, major military installations, national cemeteries, all post offices, and VA medical facilities.
This protocol underscores the commitment to honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action. Veterans groups encourage all relevant institutions and the public to observe these flag display requirements to ensure uniformity and respect during Armed Forces Day activities.