Memorial Day 2016 Closings in Baltimore County

On Memorial Day, many Baltimore County agencies and services will be on hiatus for the holiday.

Trash pickup is canceled on Monday, May 30. Parking meters are free.

The following are closed in Baltimore County as well:

• Baltimore County offices
• Libraries
• Senior Centers
• CountyRide
• Courts
• Health Department
• Landfill/drop-off center

Here are five things to know about proper flag etiquette on Memorial Day, as well as how to properly show respect as the colors are presented, per the U.S. Flag Code.

1. During ceremonies when the flag is hoisted or raised, spectators who aren’t in military uniform should face the flag, stand at attention and place their right hands over their hearts. If you’re in uniform, give a proper military salute; If you're a man who is not in uniform, but you're wearing a hat, take it off with your right hand and hold it at your left shoulder so your palm rests on your heart. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, stand at attention. When the flag advances in a moving column, it is appropriate to salute it as it passes.
2. When raising the flag to half-staff, it “should be hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position,” according to U.S. Code Title 4 Chapter 1, Section 7. “The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.”
3. Make sure the flag is in pristine condition and isn’t tattered and torn, and that its red and white stripes and the union (the blue field of stars) are bright and vibrant. If the flag is no longer suitable for display, dispose of it properly, preferably in a ceremonial burning. American Legion posts and other veteran groups often have flag-disposal ceremonies.

Patch Editor Deb Belt contributed to this article.

File Photo.