The American Flag Flies at Half-Mast Today: A Symbol of Respect and Mourning
Introduction
The American flag is a symbol of national pride, unity, and remembrance. Today, it flies at half-mast to honor the memory of a fallen hero or to mark a period of national mourning. This tradition is rooted in centuries of maritime signaling and has evolved into a solemn gesture of respect and sorrow.
Historical Origins
The practice of flying the flag at half-mast originated in the maritime tradition of lowering the ship’s ensign or national flag to indicate mourning or distress. When a ship encountered disaster or lost a crew member, the flag was lowered to half-staff as a sign of respect and sympathy.
Over time, this maritime custom was adopted by land-based institutions and became a widespread practice for honoring the dead. In the United States, the tradition was formally established by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1868, who ordered that the flag be flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral of a deceased member of Congress.
Official Protocol
The United States Flag Code governs the proper display of the American flag, including the protocol for flying it at half-mast. According to the code, the flag should be flown at half-mast on the following occasions:
- Upon the death of the President or former President
- Upon the death of the Vice President or former Vice President
- Upon the death of a current or former member of Congress
- Upon the death of a member of the armed forces who died while on active duty
- Upon the death of a federal or state official designated by the President
- During a national day of mourning designated by the President
Significance and Symbolism
Flying the flag at half-mast is a powerful symbol of respect and mourning. It acknowledges the loss of a valued member of the community or nation and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served or protected us.
The act of lowering the flag to half-mast is a deliberate and solemn gesture. It is not a sign of defeat or surrender, but rather a way to express our collective grief and to honor the memory of the departed.
Observance
When the flag is flown at half-mast, it should be lowered to a point midway between the top of the staff and the base. It is raised to full staff again at sunset or at the end of the mourning period. If the flag is flown overnight, it should be raised to full staff at the first sign of dawn.
FAQ
Q: Why is the American flag at half-mast today?
A: The flag is flown at half-mast to honor or mourn a specific person or event. Check official government sources to determine why the flag is at half-mast on a particular day.
Q: Who decides when the flag should be flown at half-mast?
A: The President has the authority to designate national days of mourning, during which the flag should be flown at half-mast. For other occasions, the flag is flown at half-mast according to the protocol outlined in the United States Flag Code.
Q: Is there a specific time period for flying the flag at half-mast?
A: Generally, the flag should be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on the day of the event or mourning period. However, if the flag is flown overnight, it should be raised to full staff at the first sign of dawn.
Q: How low should the flag be lowered for half-staff?
A: The flag should be lowered to a point midway between the top of the staff and the base.
Q: What is the difference between half-mast and half-staff?
A: In the United States, the terms "half-mast" and "half-staff" are used interchangeably to refer to the practice of flying the flag lowered to half of its usual height.
References
- United States Flag Code (4 U.S. Code ยง 7-9)
- "Presidential Proclamation on the National Day of Mourning for the Victims of the Orlando Terrorist Attack" (White House, June 13, 2016)
- "National Flag Day" (National Park Service)
- "History of the American Flag" (Smithsonian National Museum of American History)
- "The Symbolism of the American Flag" (Library of Congress)
