Memorial Day has a specific flag custom that surprises many people: the American flag is flown at half-staff only until noon, then raised to full staff for the rest of the day. Knowing the half-staff rule, and the meaning behind it, lets you honor the day correctly. Here is Memorial Day flag etiquette, explained simply.
The half-staff-until-noon rule
On Memorial Day, the U.S. flag is raised briskly to the top, then lowered to half-staff, where it remains until noon. At noon it is raised again to full staff for the remainder of the day. The half-staff morning mourns those who died in service; raising it at noon symbolizes the living rising in their honor and resolve.
| Time | Flag position |
|---|---|
| Sunrise to noon | Half-staff |
| Noon to sunset | Full staff |
How to fly at half-staff correctly
To half-staff a flag, first hoist it briskly to the peak, then lower it slowly to the halfway point. When taking it down (or raising it back to full at noon), raise it to the peak first, then lower. If your pole cannot fly at half-staff (like many house-mounted angled poles), a common alternative is to attach a black mourning ribbon or streamer to the top.
Memorial Day vs. other observances
The half-staff-until-noon custom is specific to Memorial Day. By contrast, Veterans Day (November 11) honors all who served and is generally flown at full staff all day. Mixing these up is the most common Memorial Day flag mistake, remember: Memorial Day = half-staff until noon.
Other Memorial Day etiquette
- Fly a clean, unfaded flag; replace a worn one before the holiday.
- Light it if displayed overnight.
- Many observe a National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time.
- Never let the flag touch the ground.
If your pole can't half-staff
House mounts on an angled bracket usually cannot fly at half-staff. In that case, the accepted approach is to display the flag normally with a black mourning ribbon attached at the top of the staff, a respectful way to observe the day when half-staffing is not possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is the flag at half-staff all of Memorial Day?
No, half-staff from sunrise until noon, then full staff until sunset.
How do I half-staff a flag?
Hoist briskly to the peak, then lower to the halfway point; reverse the order when raising or removing.
What if my pole can't go to half-staff?
Attach a black mourning ribbon to the top of the staff as an accepted alternative.
The bottom line
On Memorial Day, fly the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon, then raise it to full staff for the rest of the day, the reverse of an all-day half-staff. Use proper hoisting, a clean flag, and a mourning ribbon if your pole cannot half-staff. It is a small, meaningful way to honor the fallen.