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Mar 1, 2024 · The flag half-staff rules are a crucial part of the US flag code, detailing when and how the flag should be lowered to half-staff as a sign of mourning or respect. Key provisions include directives for the death of current or former government officials, in response to national tragedies, or as ordered by the President or state governors.
Half-staff is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag must be flown at half-staff on all buildings on the death of any officer listed below, for the period indicated: For the President or a former President: 30 days from the date of death.
- On This Page
- Displaying The National Flag
- Half-Masting The Flag
- Dipping The Flag
- Breaking The Flag
- Ceremonial Dress Flags
On a flagpole
The National Flag will always be flown on its own flagpole, with the sleeve nearest to the pole. The canton should be placed in the position nearest the top of the flagpole or mast. It is improper to fly the National Flag with another flag, of any type, on the same flagpole. Flagpoles can be divided into three categories: exterior permanent poles (located outside of buildings, on top of a building or on the adjacent grounds), exterior portable poles and interior poles. Exterior permanent pole...
In an auditorium or place of worship
When the National Flag is displayed on a speaker’s platform, in a place of worship or auditorium, it should be against the wall or on a flagpole. If on a flagpole, it should be on the left from the point of view of the congregation or audience. If displayed flat against the wall, it should be above and behind the speaker.
As a car Pennant
The place of honour for flying a car pennant is on the front right fender (passenger’s side). This is where the National Flag should be displayed when it is flown alone. Displaying a distinguishing car pennant is not mandatory for a travelling dignitary. The circumstances determine whether or not it is suitable. When the distinguishing flag of a dignitary is used as a car pennant – whether it be the National Flag used by the Prime Minister of Canada, a personal flag of a royal or vice-regal d...
Flags are half-masted as a sign of respect and to express a collective sense of sorrow during a time of national mourning. Given that national flags are recognized throughout the world as the ultimate symbols of their respective nations, the act of half-masting is a dramatic visual statement that speaks to the sense of loss that is shared by all th...
Dipping the flag refers to the practice of lowering or inclining a flag toward the ground as a sign of respect in a ceremonial context, when the flag is carried by flag bearers on portable poles or staffs. When dipping, flag bearers (who carry their flag so that it flies horizontally) lower their flagstaffs forward at a 45 degree angle. In addition...
Breaking the flag refers to a ceremonial practice whereby a flag is quickly unfurled to mark the arrival of a distinguished person during a parade or ceremony. The distinguishing flag is folded, rolled and secured with a string in such a way that a sharp tug on the string will allow it to fly freely at the appropriate moment. This is usually, but n...
Ceremonial dress flags can be easily distinguished by the gold fringe around the edges. From a historical and legal standpoint, the fringe on a flag has no significance or symbolism. The fringe is, and always has been, a purely decorative addition. A flag can have a fringe at the time of purchase or the fringe can be added later on. In the manufact...
The flag shall be flown at half-staff for: thirty days following the death of the President or a former President. ten days following the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives. from the day of death until interment of an Associate ...
May 13, 2024 · Most often, a flag is flown at half-staff to mark: The death of a government official (president, supreme court justice, etc.), military member, or first responder. A national tragedy or the anniversary, such as 9/11 or a mass shooting. Memorial Day (until noon)
How to raise the flag. Follow these guidelines to properly display the American flag [PDF, 162KB]. 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.
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Raising and Lowering the Flag: When lowering the flag to half-staff, it's first raised to the peak for an instant. Then, it's reduced to the half-staff position, and the flag should be raised again to the peak before being fully lowered for the day. Displaying Multiple Flags: If multiple flags are displayed, the USA Flag should be the first ...
