Flying the Flag at Half Mast

Flying the Flag at Half-Staff

When flying the American flag at half-staff, it should first be hoisted briskly to the peak, then slowly lowered to the half-staff position. Before being taken down for the day, the flag should again be raised to the peak and then lowered.

Designated Days for Half-Staff Observance:

• May 15 – Peace Officers Memorial Day

• Last Monday in May – Memorial Day (half-staff until noon only, then raised to full-staff)

• July 27 – Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

• September 11 – Patriot Day

• December 7 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

  
  

In addition, the President of the United States may order the flag to be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal government figures or as a mark of respect during national tragedies. Governors may also proclaim half-staff observances within their states or territories.

For Flags Mounted on Buildings:

Flags flown on poles attached to homes or buildings are not lowered to half-staff. Instead, a black ribbon or mourning streamer may be affixed to the top of the flagpole to show respect and honor.