Good Friday Act of 2026 Mandates Half-Staff Flag Display on Lunar-Based Spring Dates

The Good Friday Act of 2026 introduces a specific change to the U.S. Flag Code by amending Section 7(m) of Title 4. This bill requires the American flag to be flown at half-staff on the first Friday and Saturday following the first full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. Unlike most federal observances that fall on a fixed date or a specific Monday, this mandate follows the lunar cycle, meaning the actual dates for lowering the flag will shift every year. For example, if you are a facilities manager at a post office or a local government building, you will need to check the lunar calendar annually to ensure the flags are lowered at the correct time.

Marking the Calendar by the Moon

This legislation adds a new layer to national flag etiquette by tying federal protocol to the spring equinox and lunar phases. By placing this requirement immediately after the provisions for Armed Forces Day, the bill establishes a recurring two-day period of mourning or reflection each spring. Because the timing depends on the 'Paschal' full moon, the dates could fall anywhere between late March and late April. For a small business owner who follows federal flag customs, this means the routine of raising and lowering the flag will require a bit more foresight than simply remembering a holiday like Memorial Day.

Practical Shifts in Protocol

The bill is straightforward in its technical requirements but creates a new logistical rhythm for federal agencies and those who follow their lead. By mandating the half-staff position for both Friday and Saturday, the bill extends the observance across a full 48-hour period. While this doesn't change the law for private citizens—who generally follow the Flag Code voluntarily—it sets a new standard for all federal buildings and grounds. If you work in a federal office or live near a military installation, you can expect to see this change implemented annually as a permanent fixture of the national landscape.