Ever spy an American flag raised only halfway up a flagpole? That’s called half-mast or half-staff, and it’s a custom not just in the United States but in many lands. Typically, the flag waves proudly from the top. But there are special times when flying it at half-staff is the right thing to do. Curious about why and when the American flag goes half-staff? Dive in to uncover the secrets behind this solemn practice.
Why the American Flag Is Displayed at Half-Staff
The American flag is displayed at half-staff as a sign of mourning and remembrance. The President has the authority to issue an executive order declaring the American flag to be flown in this manner as a symbol of respect to principle government workers and other figures who recently died. When an executive order such as this is issued, all public schools, government buildings and military bases are required to display the American flag at half-staff.
The length of time at which the American flag is displayed at half-staff varies depending on whom, exactly, it’s mourning and remembering. If a former President recently died, for example, it’s displayed at half-staff for 30 days. If a sitting Vice President dies, on the other hand, the American flag is displayed at half-staff for 10 days.
There are also special days of the year in which the American flag is flown at half-staff. On Sept. 11, for instance, the American flag is flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day, it’s flown at half-staff until noon.
Requirements for Displaying the American Flag at Half-Staff
You can check out the U.S. Flag Code for specific requirements on how to display the American flag at half-staff. Among other things, this piece of federal legislation states that the American flag should be initially hoisted all the top of the flagpole, at which point it can then be lowered halfway, resulting in a half-staff position.
The U.S. Flag Code also states that the American flag should be raised to the top of the flagpole immediately before it is lowered for the day. In other words, before the flag is hoisted down and removed for the day, it should be raised to the top of the flagpole and then lowered.
To recap, the American flag is flown at half-staff as a sign of mourning and remembrance. Also known as half-mast, half-staff involves raising the American flag to the top of the pole, and then lowering halfway down the flagpole.
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About the author
Barry Mason is a proud third-generation American whose grandfather served in World War II. Born and raised in small-town Tennessee, Barry developed a deep appreciation for American history and traditions from an early age, learning about the sacrifices made by previous generations. Barry has spent over a decade writing about flag etiquette, patriotic traditions, military history, and the stories behind America's most cherished symbols. When he's not researching the fascinating history of Old Glory, you can find Barry volunteering at veterans' events, coaching youth baseball, or exploring America's national parks with his family. A firm believer in supporting American manufacturing and small businesses, Barry is passionate about celebrating the craftspeople who keep American traditions alive. He lives with his wife and two children in a home where the American flag flies proudly every day. Favorite quote: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan
