Gov. 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 in honor of those who have died while serving in the United States military, according to a press release.

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 to officially celebrate and honor the sacrifice of those in the military who have given their lives in service to their country.