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When should the flag be flown at half-staff?

Author

James Craig

Published Jan 10, 2026

The president may order the flag to be flown at half-staff to mark the death of other officials, former officials, or foreign dignitaries. In addition to these occasions, the president may order half-staff display of the flag after other tragic events.

Can you fly any flag at half-mast?

Any non-official flags currently flying or due to be flown should be taken down and replaced with a Union Flag at half-mast. Other official flags scheduled to be flown should be flown as normal, but at half-mast (see official flags criteria below).

Why would a flag be flying at half-mast?

Occasions to fly the flag at half-mast:

In the event of the U.S President's death. In the event of the U.S Vice President's death. In the event of a U.S Congress-Person's death. In times of national mourning.

How do I know when to lower my flag?

Most half-staff days suggest that the American flag is at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on the days of the order. Memorial Day is the exception where the American flag is at half-staff from sunrise until noon.

What days do you fly the flag in 2021?

The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year's Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, the third Monday in January; Lincoln's Birthday, February 12; Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable); Mother's Day, second Sunday in May ...

25 related questions found

What is an easy way to remember the flag to fly at half-staff?

An easy way to remember when to fly the United States flag at half-staff is to consider when the whole nation is in mourning.

Do you put flags out on Labor Day?

Labor Day celebrates our nation's workers, so it's considered an official flag holiday under the U.S. Flag Code. You can still fly the American flag on other days of the year, but it's particularly important to fly it on Labor Day.

Is it half-mast half-staff?

The term "half-mast" is preferred by dictionaries and seems more appropriate at sea (as ships have masts). "Half-staff" seems more appropriate on land, and is the preferred term used in the Flag Code and in Presidential proclamations. We call it a draw. The two terms may be used interchangeably for general use.

During what weather should a flag not be flown?

The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag. It should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays and special occasions.

Why is the flag at half-mast today March 24 2022?

Governor DeWine ordered U.S. & Ohio flags in Scioto County to half-staff to honor Portsmouth Firefighter and EMT Edward Long from March 23, 2022 until sunset on the day of her funeral. All other publi …

How do you hang a flag at half-staff?

(a) If the state flag is to be displayed at half-staff, the flag should be hoisted to the peak of the flagpole for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. (b) Before the state flag is lowered for the day, it should first be raised to the peak of the flagpole.

Should flags be flown in the rain?

The U.S. Flag Code addresses the rules for flying flags, rain or shine. It is specific on what to do in the case of rain. The United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, states: "The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed."

What are three things one should never do out of respect to the flag?

Quick list of Flag Etiquette Don'ts:

  • Don't dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or vessel.
  • Don't let the flag touch the ground.
  • Don't fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
  • Don't carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
  • Don't use the flag as clothing.
  • Don't store the flag where it can get dirty.

Is it OK to leave a flag out overnight?

According to the US Flag Code, all American flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset every day. Lowering the flag at night is an ultimate sign of respect for Old Glory. But like many rules, there is an exception. You can keep your flag flying 24-hours if it is properly illuminated during all hours of darkness.

Is a flag flown at half-mast or half-staff?

The phrase half-mast means the same thing as half-staff. It refers to a flag flown below the top of a flagpole to indicate mourning. Half-mast, however, refers to flags on ships or naval bases. These are the only places where flags are flown on something called a mast.

Why should the flag be flown at half-mast Philippine?

Under Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, flags should be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on all buildings and places where it is displayed. For the death of a president or a former president, flags should be placed at half-staff for 10 days.

Can the American flag be flown at night without a light?

The US Flag Code states that it is illegal to fly the US flag at night without adequate light. The American flag code is part of federal law. Each state using it as a foundation for its own specific flag codes regarding the handling and display of the American flag.

What is proper flag etiquette?

The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way. The flag should never be used as covering for a ceiling. The flag should never have anything placed on it.

How long do you leave a flag half-staff?

How long does the flag remain at half-staff?

  1. Thirty days after the death of a president or former president.
  2. 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.

What is considered disrespectful to a flag?

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.

What are 3 reasons the U.S. may fly the flag at half-staff?

These periods of mourning are proclaimed either by the president of the United States, for national remembrance, or the governor of a state or territory, for local remembrance, in the event of a death of a member or former member of the federal, state or territorial government or judiciary.

What side of the porch do you hang the American flag on?

We've checked with the official flag etiquette to bring you the answer. The American flag can hang on either side of the porch unless there is a second flag (or multiple flags). If there are two or more flags hanging on the porch, the American flag should hang on the left side of the porch when viewed from the street.

Why can't you let the American flag touch the ground?

Don't Let It Touch the Ground!

If the American flag hangs so low on a flagpole that it touches the ground, it will likely accumulate dirt. And if it continues to touch the ground, it may sustain more severe damage in the form of torn fabric.

Is it OK to wash an American flag?

Thankfully, there are no rules against washing your American flag. If you're getting your flag ready to hang for the 4th of July and notice it's looking a little dirty, it's completely okay to wash it before putting it out.

Who can order flags to half-staff?

“Section 7m of the Flag Code authorizes a governor to half-staff the US flag upon the death of a present or former official of the government of the state, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from that state while on active duty.