Half-Staff Information
Respect and Honor
The U.S. Flag Code outlines specific reasons and procedures for flying the American flag at half-staff as a mark of respect and mourning. The flag is lowered to half-staff primarily to honor the deaths of principal government officials—such as the President (for 30 days), Vice President, Chief Justice, Speaker of the House (for 10 days), and other federal or state officials for varying periods depending on their office. The President may also order the flag to half-staff after national tragedies or to honor foreign dignitaries, while state governors can do so for fallen members of the Armed Forces or state officials. On Memorial Day, the flag is displayed at half-staff until noon, then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day. The proper protocol is to hoist the flag briskly to the peak before lowering it slowly to the half-staff position, and to return it to the peak before taking it down for the day. These traditions ensure the flag serves as a visible symbol of national unity, respect, and remembrance during times of collective grief or solemn observance.
