Understanding why flags are flown at half-mast is a sign of respect and mourning in the United States and Texas. When you observe the Texas flag, or the US flag, lowered to half-staff, it’s a visual cue signifying a period of mourning, typically declared to honor recently deceased individuals or to mark significant national tragedies.
Understanding Half-Mast: A Symbol of Respect and Mourning
Flying a flag at half-mast, also referred to as half-staff, is a globally recognized symbol of mourning and respect. This practice symbolically lowers the nation’s or state’s banner to make room for the “invisible flag of death” said to be flying above it. It’s a visual expression of collective grief, used to honor individuals of national importance, commemorate tragic events, or observe periods of remembrance.
The decision to lower flags to half-mast is a formal one, usually declared by the President of the United States for national observances, or by a state governor to honor state-specific losses or events. These declarations specify the duration for which flags should be flown at half-mast, ensuring a unified and respectful visual message across the nation or state.
Texas Flag Code and Half-Staff Display
In Texas, the proper display of the flag is guided by the Texas Government Code. This code encourages all Texans – from state agencies to individual citizens and businesses – to display both the Texas and United States flags as a mark of respect and honor. Crucially, it also outlines the procedure for flying flags at half-staff.
The correct method for lowering a flag to half-staff is to first raise it briskly to its full height, and then slowly lower it to the half-staff position. This same procedure is reversed when the period of mourning is over: the flag is first raised briskly to full-staff before being lowered for the day. This initial raising to full-staff emphasizes the respect being paid, even as the flag is then lowered to mourn.
For locations that display multiple flags, such as historical flags alongside the Texas and US flags, the protocol during half-staff observances generally dictates that the Texas and US flags are flown at half-staff, while other flags may be removed entirely to ensure no other flag flies higher. It’s important to remember that no other flag should ever be flown higher than the US or Texas flag.
Conclusion
Observing flags at half-mast serves as a powerful reminder of shared moments of grief, respect, and remembrance. It is a visual tradition steeped in symbolism, providing a moment for collective reflection and honor within communities and across the nation. By understanding the practice of flying flags at half-mast, we gain a deeper appreciation for this important gesture of respect and mourning.
