American Flag at Half-Staff
Half-staff is defined as half the distance from the top of a flagpole to the bottom. Flying a flag at half-staff is a sign of mourning.
When a flag is flown at half-staff, it should be raised to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-mast position to show respect for the dead person. When retiring the flag at the end of the day, this procedure should be repeated. If your flag is on an outrigger flagpole or mounted on a wall and cannot be flown at half-staff, it is appropriate to tie a black mourning ribbon above the flag.
Flags can only be flown at half-staff to represent the death of an important government official. In order to fly it half-staff for any other reason, the President must give his approval.
From the Flag Code:
On Memorial Day, The flag should be displayed at half-mast until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-mast upon the death of principal figures of the US government and the Governor of the 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-mast according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession, of the US, the Governor of that State may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-mast.
For more information on flying an American flag at half-staff please visit our Flag Etiquette section here: www.carrot-top.com.
