Photo by Jeff Quinton

The federal government is really big. So while it’s regrettable when someone forgets to read a White House-issued memo, it’s to be expected. But maybe that shouldn’t happen at the federal building right next door to the White House, better known as the Treasury Department.

Earlier this week, President Obama ordered that flags at all U.S. government buildings, diplomatic outposts and military installations be lowered to half-staff in memory of Neil Armstrong, who died Saturday at age 82.

Pretty simple instructions, right? Well, based on the view one reader has from his office, it looks like whoever mans the flag on the roof of the Treasury Department didn’t read the presidential memorandum. Jeff Quinton, who can see the building from his office at 15th and F streets NW, caught the flag foible. As of about 2 p.m., he tells us, that flag was still raised to the top of the pole.

Oops.