Are you curious about flag etiquette, especially on days of national significance? At flyermedia.net, we clarify when the American flag flies at half-mast, particularly concerning Veterans Day, aviation events, and memorial observances. Discover how to properly honor these occasions and show your respect through flag displays. Flyermedia.net keeps you informed about patriotic displays, honoring fallen heroes, and understanding national holidays.
1. What Days Are Flags Flown at Half-Mast?
Flags are flown at half-mast on specific days to honor and mourn individuals or events of national significance. These observances are mandated by the President or state governors.
Here are some customary dates when flags are flown at half-staff:
- Peace Officers Memorial Day: Observed on May 15th, from sunrise to sunset, unless it coincides with Armed Forces Day.
- Memorial Day: Observed on the last Monday in May, from sunrise until noon.
- Patriot Day: Observed on September 11th, from sunrise to sunset, to commemorate the victims of the 9/11 attacks.
- National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day: Typically observed in May.
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Observed on December 7th, from sunrise to sunset.
American flag flying at half-mast to honor fallen heroes
2. Is Veterans Day a Half-Mast Day?
No, Veterans Day is not a day for flying the flag at half-mast. Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11th, honors all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
- Celebration, Not Mourning: Veterans Day is a day to celebrate and honor the service of veterans. It is not a day of mourning.
- Encouraged Displays: Citizens are encouraged to fly POW/MIA flags and Military Branch flags on this day to show support to our Veterans.
3. What Are Other Special Flag-Flying Days?
Besides half-mast days, there are other days when displaying the flag is encouraged to celebrate national pride and historical events.
- President’s Day: Celebrated on the third Monday in February, is a celebration of U.S. presidents and is not a half-staff day.
- Flag Day: Celebrated on June 14th, commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States by the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
- National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day: Celebrated on July 27th, marks the anniversary of the treaty ending the Korean War. While it was a half-staff day from 2000-2003, current proclamations encourage flag display.
4. How Should You Fly Your Flag at Half-Staff?
Flying a flag at half-staff requires specific etiquette to show respect and honor the occasion appropriately.
- Raising the Flag: 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.
- Lowering the Flag: When taking it down for the night, raise it to the top of the flag pole again and lower it to the bottom.
- Telescoping Pole: With a telescoping pole, it is acceptable to put the American flag on the second set of rings instead of the top set, leaving the top set empty.
- Other Flags: When the American flag is flown at half-staff, state and other flags should be removed or flown at half-staff too.
4.1. Video Guide: How to Lower Your Flag to Half-Staff
For a visual guide, watch instructional videos available online that demonstrate the proper way to lower your flag to half-staff.
5. What Should You Do If Your Flag Can’t Fly at Half-Staff?
Sometimes, due to the flag pole setup, flying the flag at half-staff may not be possible. Here’s an alternative.
- Black Ribbon: For flags that can’t be lowered, such as those using a house-mounted pole, attach a black ribbon or streamer to the top of the flag.
- Ribbon Specifications: The ribbon should be the same width as a stripe on the flag and the same length as the flag.
American flag flying at half-mast to honor fallen heroes
6. Who Can Order a Flag to Be Flown at Half-Staff?
The authority to order the flag to be flown at half-staff is reserved for specific individuals at the national and state levels.
- President and Governors: Only the President of the United States and state governors can decide when and how long the American flag should be flown at half-staff.
7. How Long Should the Flag Be at Half-Staff?
The duration for which a flag should remain at half-staff varies depending on the individual being honored.
- President or Former President: Half-staff lasts for thirty days after the death.
- Vice President: Half-staff lasts for ten days after the death.
- Former Vice President: Half-staff lasts until the burial is completed.
- Chief Justice or a Retired Chief Justice: Half-staff lasts for ten days after the death.
- Speaker of the House of Representatives: Half-staff lasts for ten days after the death.
- Associate Justice of the Supreme Court: Half-staff lasts until the burial is completed.
- Secretary of a Military Department: Half-staff lasts until the burial is completed.
- Governor of a State, Territory, or Possession: Half-staff lasts until the burial is completed.
- Member of Congress: Half-staff on the day of, and the day after, the death.
- Memorial Day: The flag is flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full staff until sundown.
8. What About Half-Staff to Honor Other Citizens?
While official orders are reserved for national or state figures, there is room for private citizens to honor local leaders.
- National or State Figures: 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 national or state figure.
- Significant Non-U.S. Citizens: There are occasions when the flag will be lowered for significant figures who are not U.S. citizens, such as Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II, etc.
- Local Leaders: Private citizens and non-government buildings may choose to fly their flags at half-staff to honor more local leaders, such as religious leaders, youth leaders, teachers, coaches, local politicians, or local heroes. No government authorization is needed for the private sector to honor any citizen.
It is important to note that the Flag Code is intended to provide guidance and is not obligatory, carrying no civil or criminal penalties for “misuse” of the Flag. Individuals are not acting illegally when using the flag according to their own rules, and it is only required to be followed on public or government buildings.
9. What Are Flag Code Modifications for Half-Staff at a Federal Facility?
Federal facilities must follow the state’s lead for half-staff proclamations, especially concerning members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- New Legislation: The Flag Code half-staffing requirements were modified with new legislation signed into effect on June 29, 2007, by President George Bush.
- Federal Facility Consistency: The new legislation requires any federal facility within a region that proclaims half-staffing to honor a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who died during active duty must follow the half-staffing proclamation. This applies to all governors of a state, possession or territory, or the Mayor of the District of Columbia.
10. Where Can You Find American Flag Display Information?
Understanding how to properly display the American flag is crucial for showing respect and patriotism.
- Indoor American Flags: Learn how indoor American flags should be displayed on a platform in a church or auditorium.
- American Flag Etiquette: Comprehensive guidelines and information on American flag etiquette can provide additional insights.
At flyermedia.net, we not only provide this information but also connect you with opportunities to explore your passion for aviation through pilot training programs, aviation news, and career opportunities.
FAQ: Additional Questions About Flag Etiquette
1. What Is the Meaning of the Gold Fringe on Some Flags?
The addition of the fringe started in the early 1800s as decorative enrichment. There are no rules that prohibit the use of fringe on an American flag by non-governmental groups or organizations.
2. What Should You Do with a Worn or Torn U.S. Flag?
Such a flag should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Individuals should be responsible for destroying the worn flag and burying the ashes. Most VFW or American Legion posts are happy to help with this service.
3. If Two Flags Are Staffed Before the Entrance of a Building, Where Should the American Flag Be?
On the left side as observed from the street.
Conclusion: Honoring Through Observance
Understanding flag etiquette, especially regarding when to fly the flag at half-mast, is essential for showing respect and honoring important occasions. While Veterans Day is a day of celebration, other days require solemn observance. Whether it’s understanding the rules for federal facilities or knowing how to properly display the flag indoors, flyermedia.net is here to guide you.
Do you have additional questions about flying your flag half-staff or wish to learn more about aviation events and observances? Contact flyermedia.net for expert guidance and information.
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