Flying the American flag at half-staff is a time-honored tradition to show respect and mourning during times of national tragedy or remembrance. It’s important to observe proper etiquette when lowering and raising a flag to half-staff, whether you’re flying it at a public building, business, or at home.
Proper Technique for Raising and Lowering the Flag
When flying the flag at half-staff:
- Always raise the flag briskly to the peak (top of the pole) first, and then slowly lower it to the half-staff position.
- Half-staff means the flag should be lowered to about halfway between the top and bottom of the pole.
- When taking the flag down for the day, raise it back to the top briefly before lowering it all the way for removal.
This tradition shows full honor to the flag before moving it into a position of mourning.
U.S. Flag Position with Multiple Flags
When flying multiple flags on the same pole, the U.S. flag must always be on top, even when at half-staff. No flag may be placed above the American flag.
If you’re displaying other flags (state, organizational, or other nations) on separate poles, you have two options:
- Lower them to a position below the U.S. flag
- Remove them entirely during the half-staff period to show clear precedence and respect for the national flag.
Never fly another flag at the same height as the U.S. flag when it is at half-staff.
When to Fly the Flag at Half-Staff
Flags are flown at half-staff on designated dates and by order of the President or state Governors. Key dates include:
- First Sunday in May – Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day
- May 15 – Peace Officers Memorial Day
- Last Monday in May – Memorial Day (only until noon)
- September 11 – Patriot Day
- December 7 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
- Upon the death of a President, government official, or notable public figure (duration varies)
Presidents and Governors may also issue proclamations following national or state tragedies.
Residential Options: Wall-Mounted Flagpoles
For homes with wall-mounted flagpoles where lowering isn’t possible, the traditional adjustment isn’t feasible. A respectful alternative is to attach a black mourning ribbon (also called a mourning streamer) to the top of the flagpole or above the flag. The ribbon should be:
- Black, about 2–3 inches wide
- Tied in a bow or left hanging about the same length as the flag
This gesture signals the same spirit of mourning as lowering the flag. We offer black mourning streamers made of nylon with a grommet to attach to your residential flagpole.
Flying the flag at half-staff is a simple but powerful way to honor those who have served, suffered, or sacrificed. Whether you have a standard pole or a wall-mounted display, there are respectful ways to participate in these national moments of remembrance.
