Ever wondered who decides when it’s right to fly the American flag at half-staff? Usually, the flag proudly waves at the top of its pole. But on special days, it’s lowered halfway. This gesture, called half-staff, happens in many countries, including the United States. According to the U.S. Flag Code, it’s a way to show respect and mourning. But who makes that call? It’s interesting to note that only the President or your state’s governor has that authority. They decide when the nation or state needs to honor a special event or person by lowering the flag. It’s a small but significant way to pay tribute and show unity. So, next time you see the flag at half-staff, you’ll know it’s a meaningful decision from the highest levels.
Flying the American Flag at Half-Staff Following the Death of a President or Government Figure
For decades, there was no specification law or regulation dictating when the American flag should be flown at half-staff. It wasn’t until March 1, 1954 when former President Dwight Eisenhower proposed new legislation for flying the American flag at half-staff. On this date, President Eisenhower said that the American flag should be flown at half-staff for a total of 30 days on all federal properties — schools, post offices, tax departments, city planning departments, military bases, etc. — following the death of a president.
The legislation also states that the American flag should be flown at half-staff for a total of 10 days following the death of a vice president, chief of justice or speaker of the House of Representatives.
The President Determines When the American Flag Is Flown at Half-Staff
Back to the original question, it’s the current U.S. president who determines when the American flag is flown at half-staff. He or she has exclusive authority to proclaim that the American flag should be flown at half-staff following the death of a government official — current or former — or other events.
The U.S. Flag Code specifically states the following about flying the American flag at half-staff:
“by order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law.”
There are holidays on which it’s appropriate to fly the American flag at half-staff, such as Independence Day and Memorial Day. However, the current U.S. president has the authority to declare other dates for flying the American flag at half-staff.
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