Why are flags at half staff today? Memorial Day tradition

On Memorial Day, U.S. flags are lowered until noon before being raised again. But unlike the other holidays and occasions, they only fly at half-staff until noon, then are raised to the top of the pole until sunset. Under U.S. flag code, flags are flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day before being raised to full staff for the remainder of the day. The tradition is meant to symbolize mourning in the earlier hours and a reminder that the nation lives in the afternoon. Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday in May and is often considered the start of summer. This year, it falls on May 25. Flags are flown at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president. Flags are flown at half-staff for 10 days after the death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, or the speaker of the House of Representatives.