What does it mean when American flag is half way up?

To recap, the American flag is flown at half-staff as a sign of mourning and remembrance. Also known as half-mast, half-staff involves raising the American flag to the top of the pole, and then lowering halfway down the flagpole.

What does it mean when the flag is half way up the pole?

Half-mast
Half-mast (British, Canadian and Australian English) or half-staff (American English) refers to a flag flying below the summit of a ship mast, a pole on land, or a pole on a building. In many countries this is seen as a symbol of respect, mourning, distress, or, in some cases, a salute.

What does half-mast?

noun. a position approximately halfway between the top of a mast, staff, etc., and its base. verb (used with object) to place (a flag) at half-mast, as a mark of respect for the dead or as a signal of distress.

When should the flag be flown at half-mast?

The president may order the flag to be flown at half-staff to mark the death of other officials, former officials, or foreign dignitaries. In addition to these occasions, the president may order half-staff display of the flag after other tragic events.

Why is the flag at half-staff today 2021?

Today, the President amended the proclamation ordering the flag to be flown at half-staff in honor of Senator Bob Dole to remain lowered through midnight Saturday, December 11, 2021.

Why are flags flown at half-mast?

What is the difference between a flag half-staff and half-mast?

The phrase half-mast means the same thing as half-staff. It refers to a flag flown below the top of a flagpole to indicate mourning. Half-mast, however, refers to flags on ships or naval bases. These are the only places where flags are flown on something called a mast.

Can you fly a flag at half-mast for anyone?

Flags shall be flown at half-mast at all Government of Alberta sites from the notice of death to sunset on the day of the funeral on the death of: the Sovereign. immediate members of the Royal Family. current and former Governors General.

Why do we put the flag at half-staff?

What does it mean when the American flag is flown at half-staff?

To recap, the American flag is flown at half-staff as a sign of mourning and remembrance. Also known as half-mast, half-staff involves raising the American flag to the top of the pole, and then lowering halfway down the flagpole.

Do you just raise the flag halfway up the pole?

You don’t just raise the flag halfway up the pole. Officially, the flag is quickly raised to the top of the flagpole, and then slowly lowered down to its halfway point. All right, let’s now take a moment or two to review. The national flag is an important symbol in the United States, and its treatment is just as important.

Why do we lower the flag to half mast?

In times of national mourning or remembrance, the president of the United States may order the flag to be lowered to half-staff. This tradition likely dates back to a 1612 British expedition when sailors lowered their flag upon the death of their captain in order to make room for the flag of Death.

When should the American flag be raised and lowered?

The U.S. Flag Code also states that the American flag should be raised to the top of the flagpole immediately before it’s lowered for the day. In other words, before the flag is hoisted down and removed for the day, it should be raised to the top of the flagpole and then lowered.