Flags always fly at half-staff nationwide on Memorial Day — how to properly honor US Armed Forces
Memorial Day is a solemn observance in the United States, where flags are flown at half-staff to honor service members who have died in military service. This tradition, which dates back to 1868, is observed nationwide on the last Monday in May. The flag is raised to full-staff at noon to symbolize the nation's ongoing resolve and gratitude for the sacrifices made by the fallen.
- ▪American flags are ordered to fly at half-staff nationwide on Memorial Day.
- ▪The holiday honors US Armed Forces service members who have died while serving the country.
- ▪Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day became an official holiday in 1971.
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Lifestyle Flags always fly at half-staff nationwide on Memorial Day — how to properly honor US Armed Forces By Eric Hegedus Published May 23, 2026, 4:09 p.m. ET American flags traditionally fly at half-staff nationwide on Memorial Day. Getty Images See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google The star-spangled banner does yet wave. But as a time-honored tradition, flags have again been ordered to fly at half-staff nationwide for Memorial Day on Monday, May 25. The yearly solemn observance honors US Armed Forces service members who have died while serving the country and is practiced across every state, from Hawaii to Texas, from Georgia to New York. In New York, the POW-MIA flag also will fly over all state buildings from sunrise to sunset on Monday.
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