How to Fly the U.S. Flag at Half-Staff and When

During times of national mourning and remembrance, the U.S Flag is flown at half-staff (or half-mast). The term "half-staff" refers to a flag positioned one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.

For nearly 200 years of our country's existence, there were no regulations on when to fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff, where to fly it, and for how long. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued a proclamation that resolved all conflicting half-staff policies.

Half-Staff Position

The U.S. Flag should be briskly run up to the top of the staff before being slowly lowered to the half-staff position, one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.

Notes:

• After the period of national mourning or remembrance is over, raise the flag back to the top of the staff.

• If bringing your flag inside for the evening, raise it to the top first before lowering it and removing from the staff.

• If you cannot lower your flag to half-staff at your home due to the staff length or angle, it is acceptable to attach a black mourning ribbon to the top of the flag. The ribbon should be about the same length as the flag and can attach to the top grommet. They can be purchased at various stores and online for about $10-$15. Search for "US Flag Black Ribbon (or Streamer)."

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When to Half-Staff

The U.S. Flag is flown at half-staff on all federal buildings and grounds, military installations, and U.S. Naval vessels to commemorate the death of principal figures of the U.S. Government or the Governor of a State or Territory as a mark of respect to their memory. Most often, this is done to mark the death of government officials, military members, first responders; or following a national tragedy.

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.

The President of the United States also has authority to order a nation-wide half-staffing as a mark of respect for special events and the death of foreign dignitaries and other officials.

In addition to deaths of government figures, the U.S. Flag should be flown at half-staff for the following dates of national remembrance:

• Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15th)

• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

• Korean War Veterans Day (July 27th)

• Patriot Day (September 11th)

• National Firefighters Memorial Day (First Sunday in October)

• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7th)

** Stay up to date on upcoming half-staff proclamations compiled by Halfstaff.org.

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How Long to Half-Staff

The U.S. Flag should be flown at half-staff for the following duration:

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Summary Reference

The National Flag Foundation. (n.d.). The Flag in Mourning. Retrieved December 27, 2022, from https://nationalflagfoundation.org/etiquette/the-flag-in-mourning/