U.S. Flags Ordered to Fly at Half-Staff in Every State: Here's Why
Across the United States, flags will be flown at half-staff on May 25 as the national celebrates Memorial Day and honors the men and women who died in service to the nation.
Politicians from around the United States have one-by-one announced the decision to lower flags to half-staff in remembrance of those who served.
"As we observe Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who died in service to our country. In accordance with the U.S. Flag Code, flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise until 12:00 p.m., then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day," the New Jersey Department of State announced.
When and Why Does the Flag Fly at Half-Staff?
The American flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the country or a state is in mourning. The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.
In most cases, an American flag flying at half-staff marks one of three observances, per USA.gov:
- The death of a government official, military member, or emergency first responder
- A national tragedy
- Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance
What Is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is an American holiday on the last Monday of May. This year's holiday is the earliest it could possibly sit within the month.
The holiday's origins can be traced to the American Civil War, which killed more than 600,000 service members - both Union and Confederate - between 1861 and 1865.
The first national observance of what was then called Decoration Day occurred on May 30, 1868, after an organization of Union veterans called for decorating war graves with flowers, which were in bloom.
"It honors fallen service members of the U.S. military," the Wounded Warrior Project added "Americans began to recognize Memorial Day in 1868, and the country established it as a federal holiday in 1971. Originally known as ‘Decoration Day,' the holiday started with communities coming together to decorate the graves of those who died during service."
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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 3:06 AM.