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1 mar 2024 · Flying the American flag at half-staff is a powerful symbol of national mourning and respect. This tradition allows individuals and institutions across the United States to collectively honor the memory of prominent figures or victims of significant tragedies.
The flag should fly at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president.
Learn the proper etiquette for flying the American flag at half-staff. Understand the significance and ensure respectful observance.
How and When to Fly the Flag at Half-Staff. To position the flag at half-staff, first raise the flag to the peak of the staff for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position -- roughly halfway between the top and bottom of the staff.
When to fly the flag at half-staff. The American flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the country or a state is in mourning. The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.
On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon, and then raised to full-staff until sunset. A house-mounted flag pole is not long enough to fly the flag at half-staff, so etiquette dictates that you fly a black mourning streamer atop your flag instead.
How to Fly Your Flag at Half-Staff. Most half-staff days suggest that the American flag is at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on the days of the order. Memorial Day is the exception where the American flag is at half-staff from sunrise until noon.
