On Memorial Day, the U.S. flag is traditionally displayed at half-staff until noon, then raised to full-staff until sunset.
Memorial Day uses a two-part display, making noon local time the important transition point.
The observance grew from springtime traditions of decorating the graves of Civil War dead. In 1868, Grand Army of the Republic commander John A. Logan issued General Orders No. 11, calling for a national Decoration Day on May 30. After World War I, the day broadened to honor Americans who died in all U.S. wars.
Congress moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May through the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, effective in 1971. The National Moment of Remembrance Act later established a nationwide minute of silence at 3 p.m. local time, adding another shared act of remembrance.
The morning at half-staff mourns those who died in military service. Raising the flag at noon expresses that their sacrifice is remembered by a living nation that continues the work for which they served.
Yes. The U.S. Flag Code provides that the flag is flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day. At noon, it is raised to the top of the staff for the remainder of the day.
Raise the flag to full-staff at noon local time. This is different from many other half-staff days, which may run until sunset.
The morning half-staff display honors those who died in service. Raising the flag at noon is a symbol of continuing the work and ideals for which they served.
Mast tracks federal and state flag orders and shows start and end times when they are available from official sources.