Memorial Day Flag Protocol May 25: Half-Staff Rules Explained

Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026, honors members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died while serving their country. Flags across the nation are being lowered to half-staff as part of this long-standing federal observance. Governors have already issued executive orders ahead of the White House’s expected presidential proclamation. However, veterans’ groups warn that many Americans overlook critical flag protocol traditions, with the most common mistake being improper timing of when flags should be raised and lowered throughout the day.

National Flag Protocol for Memorial Day

The U.S. Flag Code establishes specific rules for flying flags at half-staff during Memorial Day. Flags must be lowered to half-staff at sunrise and remain there until noon, then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day. This symbolic shift honors fallen service members and represents the nation’s respect for their sacrifice.

According to the American Legion program manager Aaron Bacon, limited awareness of these traditions leads to widespread mistakes. Many citizens fail to follow the proper timing, leaving flags at half-staff all day or forgetting to raise them at noon entirely.

State-Level Executive Orders and Observances

Governors across the country have signed executive orders mandating flag protocols for the weekend. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed Executive Order #295, ordering flags to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, May 23, honoring emergency medical services professionals who have given their lives in the line of duty.

Governor Evers also proclaimed National EMS Week throughout Wisconsin, beginning Sunday, May 17. These state-level actions reinforce the federal observance and extend recognition to other service professionals.

Common Mistakes Americans Make

Veterans’ organizations emphasize that improper flag handling undermines the meaning of Memorial Day. The most common mistake involves not lowering the flag to half-staff until noon, then raising it to full staff for the rest of the day. Many citizens simply leave flags at half-staff throughout the entire day without understanding the symbolic significance of the noon transition.

Education about the U.S. Flag Code remains essential. Proper flag etiquette demonstrates respect for fallen service members and ensures the tradition maintains its intended meaning across all states.

Federal Coordination and White House Proclamation

The White House is expected to issue an official presidential proclamation supporting the nationwide half-staff observance. This federal action coordinates with state governors’ executive orders to ensure consistent flag protocol across all 50 states. The proclamation reinforces the importance of Memorial Day as a federal holiday dedicated to honoring military sacrifice.

This coordinated approach ensures that Americans nationwide understand and respect the flag protocol, strengthening the collective observance of this solemn occasion.

Final Thoughts

Memorial Day on May 25 requires specific flag protocol that many Americans overlook. Flags must be lowered to half-staff at sunrise, kept there until noon, then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day. State governors have issued executive orders supporting this observance, and the White House is expected to follow with a presidential proclamation. Understanding and following proper flag etiquette honors fallen service members and emergency responders who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation.

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