A visual reminder of Memorial Day is seen by the Nation’s flags flying at half-staff (half-mast, if on a naval vessel) on its flagpole. Ever wonder how this practice came about? Well, the origin of flying a flag at half-staff dates back into the 1600’s. Further, in the early days of our country, no regulations existed for flying the flag at half-staff and, as a result, there were many conflicting policies or standards. But on March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper dates and times for the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff. Memorial Day’s observance can now be seen with the Nation’s flag flown correctly at half-staff from sun up to noon.

Half Staff Flagpole