Why do flags fly at half staff

The president, through a presidential proclamation , a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff. Most often, this is done to mark the death of a government official, military member, or first responder; in honor of Memorial Day or other national days of remembrance; or following a national tragedy.

Learn more from the Department of Veterans Affairs about the rules and traditions for flying the flag at half-staff PDF. Visit halfstaff. Skip to Main Content. Loading Close. Do Not Show Again Close.

Who can order a half-staffing? Only the President and state governors can decide when and how long the American flag should be flown at half-staff. How long should the flag be at half-staff? Thirty days after the death of a President or former President Ten days after the death of a Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives Until the burial of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, secretary of a military department, a former Vice President, or the governor of a state, territory, or possession.

On the day of, and the day after, the death of a Member of Congress. On Memorial Day, the day set aside to honor all the people who have died while serving the United States. Originally called Decoration Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full staff until sundown. What about half-staff to honor other citizens? Only the president of the United States or the governor of the state may order the flag to be at half-staff to honor the death of a national or state figure.

In addition to the traditional half-staff salutes, the United States Flag Code mentions the use of our flag for honoring leading citizens such as Martin Luther King, Jr. There are occasions when the flag will be lowered for significant figures whom are not U. The Flag Code does not exclude any citizen, whether belonging to an organization or not, whether they are recognized very locally or regionally.

Examples of deceased citizens who might be honored with by lowering the flag to half-staff include local religious leaders, youth leaders, honored teachers or sports coaches, local politicians, or a local hero. There need be no authorization from the government for the private sector non-government to use the Flag to honor any citizen.

It is important to note that the Flag Code is a code, it is intended to provide guidance and is not obligatory. It carries no civil or criminal penalties for "misuse" of the Flag. Individuals are not acting illegally when using the flag according to their own rules. The Flag Code is only required to be followed on public or government buildings. Flag Code Modifications for Half-Staff at a Federal Facility Federal facilities must follow the state's lead for half-staff proclamations.

How should the American flag be displayed from a staff when on a platform or on the floor in a church or auditorium? The tradition of flying a flag at half-staff began in the 17th century. Sometimes you'll hear "half-mast" but that is reserved for usage aboard a ship. The president can issue an executive order for the flag to be flown at half-staff, often upon the death of a notable figure or because of a tragic event.

When such an order is issued, all government buildings, military bases, schools and offices are to lower their flags half-staff. Why are other flags flown at half-staff? Because no flag can be placed above the flag of the United States. Governors of U. Learn more about the flag and Flag Day , a day that celebrates that red, white and blue. Read about flag code and etiquette , opens a new window.