Why Are Flags At Half-Staff Today?

Nick Leason

-Nov 9, 2025

Flags fly at half-staff to honor and remember individuals or events of national significance, typically as a sign of mourning. This solemn display, observed across the United States, signifies respect for those who have passed or to mark periods of national mourning or remembrance. The decision to lower the flag is usually made by the President of the United States or a state's governor.

Key Takeaways

Flags are lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect and mourning.
The President or state governors typically order the flag to be lowered.
It commemorates the death of a prominent government official, member of the armed forces, or in remembrance of tragic events.
The U.S. Flag Code dictates the guidelines for this display of respect.
The duration flags are lowered can vary, from a single day to several weeks.

Introduction

The sight of a flag at half-staff is a somber yet common one in the United States. But what exactly does it mean when the Stars and Stripes are lowered to this position? The answer lies in the deeply rooted traditions and protocols of the nation, specifically surrounding respect, mourning, and remembrance. Understanding the reasons behind this practice provides insight into the values and history of the country.

What & Why

The practice of lowering the flag to half-staff is more than just a visual display; it's a carefully considered act with profound significance. It is a visual representation of the nation's grief and respect. It's a way for the country to collectively acknowledge the loss of an important figure or the occurrence of a tragic event. The custom, rooted in military and maritime traditions, dates back centuries.

The most common reason for lowering the flag is to honor the death of a prominent national figure, such as a former president, a sitting member of Congress, a Supreme Court justice, or a high-ranking military official. The President of the United States usually issues a proclamation when a national figure passes, ordering the flag to be flown at half-staff. State governors can also make the decision to lower flags within their respective states, often to honor local heroes or in response to events within their jurisdictions.

Beyond honoring individuals, flags are also lowered to commemorate specific events. This includes marking periods of national mourning following tragedies, such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters. The length of time the flag remains at half-staff varies, depending on the nature of the event or the prominence of the person being honored. It can be for a single day, several days, or even several weeks.

Benefits of the Practice:

The act of lowering the flag serves several important functions:

Shows Respect: It is a clear visual sign of respect for the deceased or the victims of a tragedy.
Unites the Nation: It fosters a sense of unity and shared grief across the country.
Historical Significance: It honors longstanding traditions and protocols of the United States.
Raises Awareness: The display serves as a reminder of important events and individuals in American history.

Potential Risks and Controversies:

While largely a symbolic act, there can sometimes be controversy surrounding the decision to lower the flag. This may arise due to political differences or disagreements over the significance of the event or the person being honored. Additionally, inconsistent application of the practice can sometimes lead to public confusion or criticism. — Packers Vs. Eagles: Preview & Analysis

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

The process of lowering a flag to half-staff is very specific, guided by the U.S. Flag Code. Here's a general guide: — ¿Qué Hora Es En USA? Horarios En Los Estados Unidos

Announcement: A formal announcement is made by the President, a governor, or another authorized official. This announcement specifies the reason for lowering the flag and the duration.
Official Instructions: The announcement includes instructions for all federal, state, and local government buildings, as well as private citizens and organizations.
Lowering the Flag: The flag is hoisted to the top of the flagpole, then immediately lowered to a position halfway between the top and the bottom of the pole. This is the visual representation of half-staff.
Duration: The flag remains at half-staff for the period specified in the official announcement. This can range from a few hours to several weeks.
Raising the Flag: Once the period of mourning or remembrance is over, the flag is raised to its normal position at the top of the flagpole.

Who Makes the Decision?

The decision to lower the flag typically comes from the following: — Battle Creek, MI Zip Code: Your Complete Guide

President of the United States: The President has the authority to order flags lowered nationwide to honor the death of a significant national figure or to mark a period of national mourning.
State Governors: Governors can order flags lowered within their respective states, often to honor local officials, first responders, or in response to tragedies within the state.
Local Authorities: In some cases, local authorities may make the decision to lower flags on government buildings, but this is usually done in accordance with state or federal guidelines.

Examples & Use Cases

There are numerous examples of when flags are lowered to half-staff:

Death of a President: Upon the death of a U.S. President, flags are lowered across the country for a period of 30 days.
9/11 Attacks: Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, flags were flown at half-staff for an extended period to honor the victims and heroes.
Death of a Senator or Representative: When a member of Congress dies, flags are often lowered in their home state and at federal buildings in Washington, D.C.
National Days of Remembrance: Flags are lowered on Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance to honor those who have died in service to the country.
Deaths of State Officials: State governors may order flags to be lowered to honor the deaths of state-level officials, such as governors, lieutenant governors, or members of the state legislature.
Tragic Events: Following tragic events, such as school shootings or natural disasters, flags may be lowered to show solidarity and mourning.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices:

Follow Official Guidelines: Always adhere to the directives issued by the President, governor, or other authorized officials regarding the duration and specifics of the half-staff display.
Respectful Display: Ensure the flag is lowered and raised in a dignified manner, following proper flag etiquette.
Consistency: Apply the practice consistently, ensuring that flags are lowered and raised according to the established protocols.
Public Awareness: Provide information to the public about the reason for the half-staff display to foster understanding and respect.

Common Mistakes:

Incorrect Height: Lowering the flag to the wrong height on the flagpole.
Ignoring Instructions: Failing to follow the specific instructions issued by official authorities regarding the duration and scope of the half-staff display.
Lack of Communication: Not communicating the reason for lowering the flag, which can lead to confusion and misunderstanding.
Disrespectful Handling: Displaying the flag in a way that is not respectful of the deceased or the event being commemorated.

FAQs

Who decides when to lower the flag? The President of the United States and state governors are the primary authorities who order flags to be flown at half-staff.
How long are flags flown at half-staff? The duration varies, ranging from a single day to several weeks, depending on the reason.
Are there specific guidelines for lowering the flag? Yes, the U.S. Flag Code provides detailed guidelines on the proper way to display the flag at half-staff.
Can private citizens lower the flag? Yes, private citizens and organizations are encouraged to follow the same guidelines and protocols as government entities.
What does it mean if the flag is at half-staff on a holiday? If a holiday falls within a period of mourning, the flag remains at half-staff unless the official instructions state otherwise.
Is it disrespectful to fly a flag at half-staff on a sunny day? No, the display of the flag at half-staff is an act of respect regardless of the weather conditions.

Conclusion with CTA

Understanding the significance of the American flag at half-staff is an important part of civic awareness and respect for the nation's values. It’s a powerful symbol of remembrance, respect, and national unity. If you see a flag at half-staff, take a moment to reflect on the reason behind the display and the individuals or events it honors. For more information, consult the official U.S. Flag Code or your state's official website.

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 10:00 UTC