It’s a common question Americans ask when they observe the flag flying at half-staff: Why is the flag lowered today? Seeing the flag at half-staff is a visual cue signifying mourning, respect, or remembrance, typically observed nationwide or within specific localities as a tribute.
Flags are ordered to fly at half-staff, also referred to as half-mast in nautical contexts, by the President of the United States to acknowledge national mourning periods. This directive extends to all federal buildings, military posts, naval stations, and vessels across the nation and sometimes even U.S. embassies and consular offices abroad. Governors can also order the flag to be flown at half-staff within their respective states for state-specific days of mourning, such as to honor state officials or in response to local tragedies.
Occasions for flying the flag at half-staff are varied but distinctly meaningful. They often include:
- Death of a Principal Figure: Upon the death of the President, Vice President, a Supreme Court Justice, or other key national figures, flags are flown at half-staff for a designated period.
- National Days of Remembrance: Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, and Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15th, are occasions when flags are lowered to honor fallen service members and law enforcement officers. Patriot Day, September 11th, also sees flags at half-staff to remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks.
- Events of National Tragedy: In the wake of significant national tragedies or incidents causing widespread grief, the flag may be ordered to half-staff as a symbol of collective mourning.
- State and Local Observances: Governors and local authorities can mandate half-staff for state-specific mourning periods or to honor local heroes and significant events within their jurisdiction.
It’s important to note the proper etiquette for flying the flag at half-staff. According to established protocols, the flag should first be raised briskly to its peak position, and then slowly lowered to the half-staff position. When it is time to raise the flag, it is again raised briskly to the peak before being lowered for the day. This practice is a mark of respect, ensuring the flag is never truly at a lower position of dishonor, but rather in a position of mourning. As the Texas Government Code Chapter 3100 indicates, these customs are formalized and encouraged for broad observance, reflecting a unified respect across the nation and within states like Texas.
Therefore, if you see the flag at half-staff, it is a solemn reminder of collective remembrance, respect, and mourning, prompting reflection on the event or individuals being honored. To find the specific reason for a half-staff order on any given day, resources such as official government websites or news outlets can provide detailed information. However, today, the Texas flag is at full-staff, indicating that today is not designated as a day of mourning requiring the flag to be flown at half-staff.
