THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Care & Respect

Flag Facts

Flag Holidays

Displaying the Flag

Formal Occasions

Folding the Flag

Flying at Half-Staff

However, generally speaking, the flag code dictates that the U.S. Flag be flown at half-staff only upon the death of principle figures of the U.S. government and the governor of a state, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. (Note: For specific information concerning the limited additions to this general provision, please refer to the flag code.)

When desiring to honor someone who has died but for whom a half-staff display is not appropriate, lower private flags to half-staff (e.g., corporate, fraternal, military, etc.). This substitution of flags preserves the integrity of the "nation in mourning" distinction while allowing appropriate mourning for the deceased.

To position the flag at half-staff, first hoist the flag to the peak of the staff for an instant before lowering it to the half-staff position - roughly halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. Before lowering it for the day, raise the flag again to the peak for an instant.