Why are flags at half-staff today?
Quick answer
Flags are lowered to half-staff (or half-mast) as a sign of mourning or respect, usually after the death of a public figure, a national tragedy, or on set days of remembrance. In the US, the President can order it nationwide, and state governors can order it for their state, so the reason “today” depends on where you are.
To find out why flags are lowered today, check your state governor’s website or social media, or a recent White House proclamation. Many states also offer free half-staff email or text alerts.
Who can order it (US)
| Who | When |
|---|---|
| The President | Nationwide, by proclamation, for national figures, tragedies and remembrance days |
| State governors | State and local flags, often for state officials, first responders or service members from the state |
| The US Flag Code | Sets fixed days and standard periods, such as 30 days for a president or former president |
Fixed half-staff days in the US
| Date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| May 15 | Peace Officers Memorial Day (unless it’s Armed Forces Day) |
| Last Monday in May | Memorial Day, until noon only, then full-staff |
| September 11 | Patriot Day |
| December 7 | National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day |
Other days are added by proclamation each year, such as the memorial service for fallen firefighters in October.
Half-staff or half-mast?
They mean the same thing. Half-mast traditionally refers to flags on ships, and half-staff to flags on land, though “half-mast” is common everywhere outside the US.
The etiquette
- Raise the flag briskly to the top for a moment.
- Lower it slowly to the half-staff position, roughly halfway down the pole.
- At sunset, raise it to the top again before lowering it fully.
Around the world
In the UK, flags on government buildings fly at half-mast on instructions from the government, for example after the death of a member of the Royal Family. Other countries have their own rules, but the meaning, grief and respect, is nearly universal.
Other remembrance traditions have long histories too; see why Halloween is celebrated.
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