ANSWERS: 1
  • Observing the rules for displaying a flag, such as the U.S. flag, are not just social customs; federal law backs many flag traditions. Flying flags at half-mast is reserved for special occasions.

    Identification

    Flags fly at half-mast to commemorate an important day of remembrance. The U.S. flag, for example, flies at half-mast on Memorial Day, the date of the Pearl Harbor attack and, more recently, to remember September 11, 2001.

    Features

    Typically, a flag flies at half-staff from sunup to sundown on the particular day, except Memorial Day, where the flag only stays at half-mast until noon, according to Gettysburg Flag Works.

    Warning

    No flag should ever fly above the official U.S. flag. Should another flag--such as a state flag--appear next to the U.S. flag, it flies at half-staff too, or preferably not at all.

    Considerations

    Technically, only elected officials, such as the president, may order the U.S. flag to fly at half-staff, but in practice, people fly a flag at half-staff to grieve, notably when an iconic figure dies.

    Tips

    Proper flag etiquette requires that when positioning the U.S. flag at half-mast, the flag briefly enter the full-mast position, then immediately drop down to half-staff. This should happen again before someone takes the flag down for the night.

    Source:

    GettysburgFlag.com; Half-Staff Dates & Flag Rules

    USHistory.org; Flag Rules and Regulations

    Slate Magazine; When Does the Flag Fly at Half-Staff?

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