Memorial Day

Memorial Day honors members of the United States Armed Forces who died in service to the country. Federal flag guidance gives the day a two-part display: mourning during the morning followed by a return to full-staff at midday.

The flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon local time. At noon, it is raised to the top of the staff and remains at full-staff for the rest of the day. This differs from most federal half-staff observances, which continue until sunset.

The annual schedule is established by the U.S. Flag Code, so a separate proclamation is not required for the morning half-staff period to apply.