Why Would the American Flag Be at Half-Mast?
The American flag is a powerful symbol of our nation’s history, values, and aspirations. It is flown proudly from government buildings, schools, businesses, and homes across the country. However, there are times when the flag is flown at half-mast, or half-staff, as a sign of respect or mourning.
There are several reasons why the American flag may be flown at half-mast. The most common reason is to honor the death of a government official or other prominent figure. When a member of Congress dies, for example, the flag is flown at half-mast at the Capitol building and other government buildings. The flag is also flown at half-mast on Memorial Day to remember those who have died in military service.
In addition to honoring the dead, the American flag may also be flown at half-mast to mark a period of national mourning. This can be done in response to a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or earthquake, or to a terrorist attack. The flag may also be flown at half-mast during a period of national crisis, such as a war or economic recession.
When the American flag is flown at half-mast, it is important to do so correctly. The flag should be lowered to the middle of the staff, with the union (the blue field with the stars) at the top. The flag should be flown at half-mast for the entire day, from sunrise to sunset.
There are some exceptions to the rule that the American flag should be flown at half-mast only during daylight hours. For example, the flag may be flown at half-mast at night during a period of national mourning. The flag may also be flown at half-mast on a ship at sea, even at night.
It is important to note that the American flag should never be flown upside down, as this is a sign of distress. If you see an American flag flying upside down, you should contact the authorities immediately.
FAQ
Why is the American flag flown at half-mast?
The American flag is flown at half-mast to honor the death of a government official or other prominent figure, to mark a period of national mourning, or to mark a period of national crisis.
When is the American flag flown at half-mast?
The American flag is flown at half-mast on the following days:
- Memorial Day
- Peace Officers Memorial Day
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
- The day of the funeral of a President or former President
- The day of the funeral of a Vice President or former Vice President
- The day of the funeral of a member of Congress
- The day of the funeral of a Supreme Court Justice
- The day of the funeral of a Cabinet member
- The day of the funeral of a Governor
- The day of the funeral of a Mayor
- The day of the funeral of a military general or admiral
- The day of the funeral of a law enforcement officer who died in the line of duty
- The day of the funeral of a firefighter who died in the line of duty
- The day of the funeral of an emergency medical technician who died in the line of duty
- The day of the funeral of a member of the armed forces who died in the line of duty
- The day of a national tragedy, such as a natural disaster or a terrorist attack
How is the American flag flown at half-mast?
The American flag is flown at half-mast by lowering it to the middle of the staff, with the union (the blue field with the stars) at the top. The flag should be flown at half-mast for the entire day, from sunrise to sunset.
What are the exceptions to the rule that the American flag should be flown at half-mast only during daylight hours?
The American flag may be flown at half-mast at night during a period of national mourning. The flag may also be flown at half-mast on a ship at sea, even at night.
What should I do if I see an American flag flying upside down?
If you see an American flag flying upside down, you should contact the authorities immediately.
