U.S. and Michigan flags will be lowered to half-staff on Monday, may 25, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday honoring fallen service members.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Monday, May 25, from sunrise until noon to honor Memorial Day and remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
As part of the Memorial Day observance, Americans are urged to observe the National Moment of Remembrance. The practice encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time for a moment of silence to remember and honor those who died in service to the nation.
“On Memorial Day, Michiganders come together from across the state to honor the memory of the fallen heroes who fought for our freedoms,” Whitmer said. “Those who represent us in uniform are the best of us and put their lives on the line every day to protect our freedom and our communities. Today, we remember those we have lost, honor the sacrifices of the fallen and commit ourselves to keep fighting for our veterans, servicemembers, and their families.”
“We do not forget. We are here for the 2,341 American service members who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor 85 years ago,” Michigan American Legion Commander Roger Avie said. “We are here for the 3,100 combat deaths and thousands more who succumbed to the elements at Korea’s ‘frozen’ Chosin Reservoir. We are here for the men and women who continue to lose their lives during operations in the Middle East. From Bunker Hill to Baghdad, Americans from communities throughout the United States have answered their nation’s call and made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Here’s what to know about how to properly lower flags.
Why are the U.S. and Michigan flags flying at half-staff on May 25?
Monday is Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May. Flags should be displayed at half-staff until noon, then raised to the top of the staff.
Where should U.S. and Michigan flags be flown at half-staff on May 25?
U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex, and all public buildings and grounds will be flown at half-staff.
Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
How long should flags fly at half-staff?
Flags should be flown at half-staff until noon on May 25. Flags should be returned to full staff in the afternoon.
What is the National Moment of Remembrance?
As part of the Memorial Day observance, Americans are urged to observe the National Moment of Remembrance. The practice encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time for a moment of silence to remember and honor those who died in service to the nation.
According to the U.S. law designating Memorial Day, Congress also said “It is essential to remember and renew the legacy of Memorial Day, which was established in 1868 to pay tribute to individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States and their families.”
How to correctly fly your flag at half-staff
On days when the flag is flown at half-staff, it should first be raised “briskly” to the top of the pole for an instant and then lowered slowly to the half-staff position, according to the U.S. Flag Code.
Before lowering the flag, it should again be raised to the top before being lowered for the day.
Do flags fly at half-mast or half-staff?
On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast.
On shore, flags are flown at half-staff.
Which days are Michigan and U.S. flags lowered?
State officials announce which days to fly Michigan and U.S. flags at half-staff online. You also can sign up for notifications about flag honors.
The flag is always lowered to half staff on the following days by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer:
When flags are lowered to half staff, Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half staff.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Why are flags at half-staff? How to fly your flag on Memorial Day
Reporting by Dan Basso, USA TODAY NETWORK / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
