Under U.S. flag protocol, what happens to the flag at noon on Memorial Day?

Under U.S. flag protocol, the flag is raised to full-staff at noon on Memorial Day.

The United States Flag Code directs that the national flag be displayed at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day. It is then raised briskly to the top of the staff and remains there until sunset. This two-part display represents remembrance in the morning and the nation’s resolve to continue living in freedom afterward.

The flag should first be hoisted to the peak briefly before being lowered to half-staff. At noon, it is again raised to the peak. This procedure applies to flags displayed on buildings, flagpoles, and other locations covered by the code.

Memorial Day differs from some other half-staff observances because the half-staff period lasts only until noon. The code also provides separate rules for occasions such as the death of certain officials and national periods of mourning.