Why Are Flags at Half-Staff Today? Memorial Day Rules Explained

Newsweek

26-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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American flags will be lowered across the country to fly at half-staff to reflect the solemnity of Memorial Day on Monday morning.
The flags will be lowered at sunrise and will remain flying in that position until they are raised again at noon.
Officials at federal buildings across the land will lower—and then raise—the flags at different points of the day to symbolize various meanings behind the event, which honors the nation's fallen service members.
Following the death of former President Jimmy Carter, American flags fly at half-staff at daybreak with the U.S. Capitol in the background on December 30, 2024, in Washington.
Following the death of former President Jimmy Carter, American flags fly at half-staff at daybreak with the U.S. Capitol in the background on December 30, 2024, in Washington.
J.Why It Matters
Memorial Day is a federal holiday held in honor of the U.S. military members who died serving their country.
The country's flags are always lowered to indicate a period of national mourning, such as during the death of a president or to honor fallen law enforcement officers, such as during the Peace Officers Memorial Day that was held earlier this month.
What To Know
This year, Memorial Day falls on May 26.
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has published a document setting out the rules for when it is appropriate to fly the American flag at half-staff.
"On Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation's battle heroes," the department says.
The origins of Memorial Day date to 1868, although it was then known as Decoration Day, and observance gradually spread throughout the states. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed nationally on the last Monday in May.
In 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, which encourages the nation to observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time to honor and remember those killed in the line of duty.
What People Are Saying
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: "An easy way to remember when to fly the United States flag at half-staff is to consider when the whole nation is in mourning. These periods of mourning are proclaimed either by the president of the United States, for national remembrance, or the governor of a state or territory, for local remembrance, in the event of a death of a member or former member of the federal, state or territorial government or judiciary. The heads of departments and agencies of the federal government may also order that the flag be flown at half-staff on buildings, grounds and naval vessels under their jurisdiction [...]
"In the early days of our country, no regulations existed for flying the flag at half-staff and, as a result, there were many conflicting policies. But on March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper times."
What Happens Next
American flags across the country will be lowered then raised as appropriate on Memorial Day.
Other traditions held to mark the occasion will also be taking place, such as the 3 p.m. moment of remembrance, as well as various parades, religious services, speeches by public officials and the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.