Knowing When to Lower Your Flag: A Guide to Flag Etiquette

The American flag is a symbol of pride, unity, and resilience. It is flown at full-staff to represent the strength and spirit of our nation. However, there are times when the flag is lowered to half-staff or half-mast as a sign of mourning. In this article, we will explore when and how to lower your flag, according to official flag etiquette.

Ordering Flags at Half-Staff

The decision to fly the American flag at half-staff is made by the president of the United States, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia. These officials can order flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor a national tragedy, the death of a prominent figure, or to commemorate a significant event. When such an order is issued, it is important to follow the instructions to show respect and solidarity.

Customary Dates to Fly Half-Staff

There are several customary dates throughout the year when the American flag is flown at half-staff. These dates include:

• Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15th, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. The flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on this day.
• Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday in May. The flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise to noon.
• Patriot Day, observed on September 11th, to honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset.
• National Firefighters Memorial Day, in May (Memorial Weekend has been moved to May). The flag is flown at half-staff on this day to honor fallen firefighters.
• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, observed on December 7th, to remember the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset.

Other Special Flag-Flying Days

In addition to the customary dates, there are other special flag-flying days that are observed. These days include:

• President’s Day, which falls on the third Monday in February. It is a celebration that takes place between Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays. However, it is not a half-staff day.
• Flag Day, celebrated on June 14th. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which was done by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
• Veterans Day (formerly Armistice Day), observed on November 11th. This day is dedicated to honoring our nation’s veterans and is not a day of mourning. It is a day of celebration and honor. Therefore, it is not a day for flying the flag at half-staff. However, citizens are encouraged to fly POW/MIA flags and Military Branch flags on this day to show support for our veterans.
• National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, observed on July 27th of each year. This day marks the anniversary of the signing of a treaty that ended the Korean War. While it used to be a half-staff day from 2000 to 2003 during the 50th anniversary years, it is now a day for special remembrance of the veterans of the Korean War.

Proper Protocol for Flying the Flag at Half-Staff

When flying the American flag at half-staff, it is important to adhere to proper protocol. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Most half-staff days require the American flag to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset. However, on Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon.
• When raising the American flag to half-staff on a vertical pole, always raise it briskly to the top of the flagpole for a moment before lowering it. When taking it down for the night, raise it to the top of the flagpole again and lower it to the bottom.
• If you have a telescoping pole, it is acceptable to place the American flag on the second set of rings instead of the top set. In this case, the top set would be left empty.
• When the American flag is flown at half-staff, state and other flags should also be lowered or removed, or flown at half-staff as well.

By following these guidelines, you can show respect and honor for the occasions when the American flag is flown at half-staff. It is a powerful symbol of unity and remembrance.

Sources:

• “The American flag and other national symbols” – USAGov. Retrieved from https://www.usa.gov/flag
• “When to Fly the Flag at Half Staff (Mast)” – Gettysburg Flag Works. Retrieved from https://www.gettysburgflag.com/fly-flag-half-mast
• “Flag Etiquette” – VFW. Retrieved from https://www.vfw.org/community/flag-etiquette

FAQs

How do I know when to lower my flag?

The American flag is lowered to half-staff or half-mast on specific occasions of national mourning or remembrance. These include tragedies, the death of prominent figures, or significant events. The decision to lower the flag is made by the president, state governors, or the mayor of the District of Columbia.

What are some customary dates to fly the flag at half-staff?

Some customary dates to fly the American flag at half-staff include Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15th), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Patriot Day (September 11th), National Firefighters Memorial Day (May), and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7th).

Are there any other special flag-flying days?

Yes, besides the customary dates, there are other special flag-flying days. These include President’s Day (third Monday in February), Flag Day (June 14th), Veterans Day (November 11th), and National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (July 27th).

How long should the flag be flown at half-staff?

Typically, the American flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on the designated days of mourning or remembrance. However, there are exceptions, such as Memorial Day when the flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon.

What is the proper protocol for raising and lowering the flag at half-staff?

When raising the American flag to half-staff on a vertical pole, it should be raised briskly to the top of the flagpole for a moment before being lowered. When taking it down for the night, it should be raised to the top again and then lowered to the bottom.

Should other flags be flown at half-staff when the American flag is lowered?

Yes, when the American flag is flown at half-staff, it is customary for state and other flags to also be lowered or removed, or flown at half-staff as a sign of respect and unity.

Can I fly the flag at half-staff on my own initiative?

While it is a meaningful gesture, the flag should only be flown at half-staff on official occasions as designated by the relevant authorities. It is important to follow proper flag etiquette and adhere to the guidelines set forth by the president, state governors, or the mayor of the District of Columbia.

Can I fly the flag at half-staff for personal reasons?

The flag is typically flown at half-staff for national or state mourning, not for personal reasons. However, you can display the flag in your own way to honor or remember loved ones, such as using memorial flags or displaying flags in a memorial garden.