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Memorial Day is the only federal holiday where the flag is flown at half staff from sunrise to noon and then raised to full staff from noon until sunset.

Memorial Day honors those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, first to obtain our freedom via the Revolutionary War and then to preserve it — both for ourselves and for other nations.

Flying the flag at half staff (as is the case other times with it is at half staff) reminds us of that cost, of the loss of parents, siblings, children, friends and family, all unique individuals with hopes and dreams that were part of the fabric of their communities. It is important to take time to remember them and to reflect on what they died to establish and preserve.

Flying the flag at full staff is done in celebration. Spending time with family and friends, enjoying favorite activities, are also ways to honor those who preserved our freedom — freedom to do those very things.

Thus, the unique method of flying the flag both at half staff and at full staff reminds us of the uniqueness of Memorial Day: a day to honor both by remembrance and by celebration.