Flags at Half-Staff: Governor Mark Dayton Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff for Memorial Day
Office of Governor Walz & Lt. Governor Flanagan sent this bulletin at 05/25/2018 01:00 PM CDT
May 25, 2018
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.
You may view a copy of the Governor Dayton's proclamation here.
Flags at Half-Staff
In keeping with appropriate flag etiquette and U.S. Code, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton may order the state flag to be flown at half-staff under very limited circumstances. He may also order the national flag to be flown at half-staff on state property only. A state flag on state property is required by law to be flown at half-staff if the national flag is flown at half-staff.