WHAT IS THE PROPER PROCEDURE TO FLY YOUR FLAG AT HALF-STAFF
According to the United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 7(M), there is a proper procedure to fly the flag at half-staff.
"The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it's lowered for the day."
- Flying a flag at half-staff means the flag is flying halfway on the flagpole - exactly halfway between the top and bottom of the flagpole - and it not only symbolize grief or mourning but also respect.
- Most half-staff days suggest that the American flag is at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the days of the order. Memorial Day is the exception where the flag is at half-staff from sunrise until noon.
- When raising the American flag to half-staff on a vertical pole, always raise it briskly to the top of the flagpole for a moment before lowering it. When taking down for the night, raise it to the top of the flag pole again and lower to the bottom.
- With a Telescoping pole, it is acceptable to put the American flag on the second set of rings instead of the top set. In this case, the top would be left empty.
- When the American flag is flown at half-staff, state and other flags should be removed or flown at half-staff too.
WHO CAN ORDER HALF-STAFFING
Only the President and State Governors can decide when and how long the American flag should be flown at half-staff
WHAT ABOUT HALF-STAFF TO HONOR OTHER CITIZENS
- Only the President of the United States or the Governor of the state may order the flag to be at half-staff to honor the death of a nation or state figure. In addition to the traditional half-staff salutes, the United States Flag Code mentions the use of our flag for honoring leading citizens such as Martin Luther King Jr.
- There are occasions when the flag will be lowered for significant figures who are not U.S. Citizens. Examples include Nelson Mandela in 2013, Pope John Paul II in 2015, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1965.
- Private citizens and non-government buildings may choose to fly their flags at half-staff to honor more local leaders. The Flag Code does not exclude any citizen, whether belonging to an organization or not, whether they are recognized very locally or regionally. Examples of deceased citizens who might be honored by lowering the flag to half-staff include local religious leaders, youth leaders, honored teachers or sports coaches, local politicians, or a local hero. There needs no authorization from the government for the private sector non-government to use the Flag to honor any citizen.
- It is important to note that Flag Code is a code, it is intended to provide guidance and it is not obligatory. It carries no civil criminal penalties for "misuse" of the flag. Individuals are not acting illegally when using the flag according to their own rules. The Flag Code is only required to be followed on public or government buildings.