Memorial Day is one of the unique days to automatically lower the U.S. Flag to half-staff.  However, the flag is supposed to be at half-staff only until noon.  Governor Dayton issued a proclamation for the day and offers an explanation on why the flag is at half-staff only until noon.

Governor Mark Dayton Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff for Memorial Day

ST. PAUL, MN – Today, Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 28, 2018, in honor of those who have died while serving in the United States Military.

The United States and Minnesota flags are quickly raised to the tops of flagpoles, slowly lowered to half-mast, and then raised again to full height at noon. The time at half-mast is meant to honor American servicemen and women who have died for their country. Re-raising the flag is meant to symbolize the resolve of the living to carry on the fight for freedom so that the nation’s heroes will not have died in vain.

Since 1868, Memorial Day has been observed in the United States of America to officially celebrate and honor the valiant sacrifice of those in the military who have given their lives in service to our country.

Across the nation, and in the State of Minnesota, Americans give thanks those who undertake the great responsibility of defending our liberties and protecting democracy. On Memorial Day, the United States of America and the State of Minnesota honor the spirit, courage, and tenacity of service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Governor’s proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS: The United States of America has officially celebrated and honored the valiant sacrifice of those in the military who have given their lives in the name of service each Memorial Day since 1868; and

WHEREAS: Memorial Day serves as a day of remembrance, people will gather in small towns and big cities for one purpose: to remember our fallen, pay homage to their sacrifice and courage, and to recognize the selflessness of military service; and

WHEREAS: Across the nation and in the State of Minnesota, we thank those who undertake the great responsibility of defending our liberties and protecting democracy; and

WHEREAS: We honor those today who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation; and

WHEREAS: The United States of America and the State of Minnesota honor the spirit, courage, and tenacity of the generations of Armed Forces members and their families; and

WHEREAS: As we pray for peace in our world, let us never forget those who have served on our behalf.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARK DAYTON, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Monday, May 28, 2018, as: MEMORIAL DAY in the State of Minnesota, and do hereby order all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until noon on Monday,
May 28, 2018, in honor of those who have served on our behalf.