When Can The American Flag Be Flown At Half Mast

When Can the American Flag Be Flown at Half-Mast?

The American flag is a powerful symbol of our nation, and its proper display is a matter of great importance. One of the most solemn ways to display the flag is at half-mast, also known as half-staff. This is done to honor the memory of a deceased person or to mark a period of national mourning.

There are specific rules governing when the American flag can be flown at half-mast. These rules are set forth in the United States Flag Code, which was enacted by Congress in 1942.

General Rules

The American flag should be flown at half-mast on the following days:

Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15)
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7)
Patriot Day (September 11)
National POW/MIA Recognition Day (third Friday in September)

The flag should also be flown at half-mast on the day of death and the day of burial of:

The President or former President of the United States
The Vice President or former Vice President of the United States
The Chief Justice or former Chief Justice of the United States
The Speaker of the House of Representatives
The President pro tempore of the Senate
A member of Congress
A Governor or former Governor of a state or territory
The Mayor of the District of Columbia
A member of the Supreme Court
A flag officer of the Armed Forces

Special Circumstances

In addition to the general rules, there are also special circumstances under which the American flag can be flown at half-mast. These include:

When the President or the Governor of a state orders it to be flown at half-mast
When a state legislature orders it to be flown at half-mast
When a municipality orders it to be flown at half-mast
When a foreign dignitary dies and the President orders it to be flown at half-mast

How to Fly the Flag at Half-Mast

To fly the American flag at half-mast, follow these steps:

Hoist the flag to the top of the flagpole.
Lower the flag to the half-mast position, which is halfway between the top of the flagpole and the bottom of the flag.
Secure the flag in place.

The flag should be flown at half-mast for the entire day, from sunrise to sunset. If the flag is flown at night, it should be illuminated.

Exceptions to the Rules

There are a few exceptions to the rules governing when the American flag can be flown at half-mast. These include:

The flag may be flown at full-mast on the following days, even if they fall on a day when the flag is otherwise required to be flown at half-mast:
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Washington’s Birthday (February 22)
- Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12)
The flag may be flown at full-mast on the day of death and the day of burial of a member of the Armed Forces who died while serving on active duty.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between half-mast and half-staff?

A: There is no difference. The terms are used interchangeably.

Q: Can the American flag be flown at half-mast on private property?

A: Yes, the American flag can be flown at half-mast on private property, as long as it is done in accordance with the rules of the United States Flag Code.

Q: What should I do if I see the American flag flying at half-mast on a day when it is not supposed to be flown at half-mast?

A: You can contact the person or organization responsible for flying the flag and ask them to correct the mistake.

Q: What is the penalty for flying the American flag at half-mast on a day when it is not supposed to be flown at half-mast?

A: There is no penalty for flying the American flag at half-mast on a day when it is not supposed to be flown at half-mast. However, it is considered disrespectful to do so.

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