Flying a flag at half-staff is a powerful symbol that the nation—or a particular state—is in a time of mourning or remembrance. The term “half-staff” (or “half-mast”) refers to positioning the flag halfway between the top and bottom of the flagpole.
When Do I Fly My United States Flag at Half-Staff?
The U.S. Flag Code §7 states: “The (U.S.) 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 instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law.”
In practice, this means that when the United States flag should be lowered to half-staff, the President issues an official proclamation. The proclamation specifies the duration the flag should remain at half-staff. This custom also extends to national observances such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and December 7 (Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day), when we honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.
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The Governor of a state may also direct flags to be flown at half-staff “in the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of their State, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from their State who dies while serving on active duty.” While mayors cannot issue such proclamations, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., holds this authority for the District of Columbia.
What About Other Flags on a Flagpole?
Other flags may also be flown at half-staff. For example, a Governor may request that the state flag be lowered. Likewise, schools, clubs, or other organizations may lower their own flags during times of mourning or remembrance. However, these groups are not permitted to order the lowering of the U.S., state, or city flag.
What If My Flag Cannot Be Lowered?
Most commercial flagpoles allow flags to be raised and lowered using a rope and pulley system. However, wall-mounted or angled flagpoles typically lack this capability. In these cases, a Half-Staff Mourning Streamer serves as a proper and respectful alternative.
Click here for more information on our Half-Staff Mourning Streamers.
The tradition of wearing black to symbolize mourning dates back to the Roman Empire, where mourners would wear black garments and veils. This tradition evolved into the modern practice of displaying a black ribbon or mourning streamer. The Half-Staff Mourning Streamer continues this tradition, serving as an acceptable substitute for lowering a flag when the pole design does not allow it.
Each streamer measures approximately two inches wide and sixty inches long, finished with a grommet for easy attachment. Because the streamer itself does not represent a country or organization, it is proper etiquette to display it above the U.S. flag during times of mourning.
Learn proper Flag Etiquette for lowering a flag to half-staff.
When the nation—or your state—enters a period of remembrance, you can stand in solidarity by lowering your flag to half-staff or displaying a mourning streamer. Both serve as symbols of honor, unity, and respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.