Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Nationwide for Memorial Day

Governors have directed that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day in every state. The orders align with an annual federal tradition that applies to federal buildings and grounds. Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25 this year. The holiday honors members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died while serving.

Flag Protocol U.S.

Department of Veterans Affairs guidelines specify that flags remain at half-staff from sunrise until noon. At noon, flags are raised briskly to full-staff for the rest of the day. The U.S. Flag Code requires that a flag first be hoisted to the peak before being lowered to half-staff. The same step applies when the flag is taken down at the end of the day.

Stein stated that the day remembers those who died in defense of freedom. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said the observance also honors the families of service members. Officials have encouraged residents, businesses, and institutions to follow the same schedule or attend local memorial events.