Flags are at half-staff today in Illinois and across the United States in observance of Memorial Day, with the local proclamation “honoring Illinois’ fallen.”
Here’s what that means and how long flags will stay lowered.
Why are flags at half-staff today?
As is annual tradition, President Donald Trump called for flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide in honor of Memorial Day.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker likewise ordered all entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act to fly U.S. and state flags at half-staff today in observance of the holiday. This includes courthouses, public school buildings and many other state buildings.
Read more: How are Illinois gas prices ahead of Memorial Day weekend? A 2025 comparison
What’s the meaning of Memorial Day?
Originally called Declaration Day, the holiday was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to celebrate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, according to PBS.
By the late 1800s, cities began observing the holiday as Memorial Day, starting with New York. It then became a national holiday and an occasion to honor those who died in all of America’s wars.
After Congress signed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1971, Memorial Day became officially tied to the last Monday in May.
How long will flags stay lowered?
Flags across the U.S. and Illinois will stay lowered through sunset Monday, May 25, per the federal and local proclamations.
Why are flags flown at half-staff?
There are three reasons why both U.S. and state flags are lowered to half-staff:
Half-mast vs half-staff
Flags are flown at half-mast on ships and naval stations ashore. But if you happen to be on dry land, flags on a flagpole are flown at half-staff.
CONTRIBUTING: John Tufts, IndyStar
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Why are flags at half-staff today? Pritzker issues Memorial Day order
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
