American Flag Etiquette for Half-Staff Days

When to Fly the Flag at Half-Staff

Follow this checklist to comply with American flag half staff rules: confirm a presidential proclamation or state order, raise the flag briskly to the peak, then lower it to the midpoint between the top and bottom of the staff, record the date and authority, and return the flag to peak at sunrise on the next authorized day. Keep a printed list of recent proclamations and the contact for your state governor for rapid verification.

Authority and Typical Orders

Federal instructions for lowering the flag come from the President and apply to federal buildings and many public institutions. Governors may order the flag at half-staff for state and local officials or incidents within a state. Local authorities and institutions can follow these orders voluntarily. Routine reasons include national mourning after the death of a current or former government official, victims of terrorism or mass casualty events, and certain memorial days authorized by law.

Common federal proclamations

• Death of a current or former President or Vice President: typically 30 days for a President and 10 days for a Vice President or Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
• Death of a member of Congress or Cabinet: commonly on the day of interment.
• Designated national tragedies or days of remembrance: as specified in the proclamation.

State and local orders

States determine half-staff observances for state officials, first responders, or community tragedies. When a governor declares an order, follow the same lowering and raising practices as for federal proclamations. Keep an eye on official state websites and press releases for immediate guidance.

How to Lower and Raise the Flag Correctly

Use a two-step motion to set the flag at half-staff: raise to the peak steadily, pause, then lower to the midpoint. When lowering, stop so the center of the flag sits midway on the staff. At the end of the observance, raise the flag to the peak before lowering it fully. For telescoping or motorized poles, consult the pole manufacturer instructions and perform manual override if needed to replicate the peak then midpoint motion.

Practical tips for different flagpoles

• Single rope with halyard: tie a temporary slip knot to keep tension while adjusting, then secure the cleat after the flag is positioned.
• Internal halyard poles: use the mechanical control to raise to peak, wait briefly, then lower to midpoint; avoid repeated jerking motions.
• Telescoping poles: raise fully, then lower the entire pole to position the flag at the correct height if the halyard cannot be adjusted precisely.

Timing and Duration

Most proclamations specify exact start and end times. If no time is given, lower the flag at sunrise on the day stated and raise it at sunset on the final day, except when orders specify other times. When a president orders flags lowered for an extended period after the death of a President, follow the stated number of days. When a single-day honor is ordered, the flag may be flown at half-staff only during daylight hours on that day.

Sunrise and sunset guidance

If a proclamation uses dates without times, follow standard flag protocol: display from sunrise to sunset. When flying at night, ensure the flag is illuminated and check whether the proclamation allows nighttime display at half-staff. If illumination is not possible, lower the flag at sunset unless otherwise directed.

Indoor Flags and Mounted Displays

When displaying an American flag indoors, do not suspend it in a way that makes midpoint calculation impossible. If the flag hangs on a staff inside a building, set the staff so the flag's center is at the midpoint height of the staff. For wall-mounted flags, position a marker on the staff sleeve at the midpoint before raising the flag. For ceremonial indoor displays, signal the half-staff observance in the program and have staff trained on the correct sequence of actions.

Smaller Flags, Classroom and Yard Flags

Smaller flags on desks or in classrooms should follow the same principles. If the flag is on a short staff where midpoint placement is impractical, lay the flag flat or remove it from display for the period of mourning. For yard-mounted small poles, consider replacing the usual flagpole with a taller standard that enables correct midpoint placement or follow the guidance to remove the flag temporarily to avoid incorrect display.

Care, Cleaning, and Replacement

Flags at half-staff are often exposed to weather during extended periods. Inspect American Flags for wear, fraying, or fading before and after half-staff observances. Replace flags that show significant wear. When cleaning is required, follow the material care instructions. For nylon and polyester flags, machine wash on gentle cycles when recommended by the manufacturer. For sewn and heavier cotton flags, professional cleaning or careful hand washing will extend useful life.

Proper retirement and disposal

When a flag is no longer fit to serve, retire it respectfully, preferably by burning in a dignified ceremony or by handing it to a community organization that conducts retirements. Many local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts accept worn flags for proper disposal. Maintain a written policy for disposal to ensure consistent and respectful treatment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to check the authoritative source. Do not rely on social media alone. Confirm orders on official presidential, gubernatorial, or municipal websites.
• Leaving the flag at half-staff longer than ordered. Record the proclamation date and end date in a log.
• Incorrect midpoint placement. Measure the flag staff and mark the midpoint to avoid guesswork.
• Ignoring illumination rules when flying at night. If the flag cannot be illuminated, lower it at sunset unless the order explicitly allows night display.

Guidance for Businesses and Homeowners

Businesses and homeowners may follow federal and state orders voluntarily. Prepare a compact checklist: a source for proclamations, a small measuring tape to mark midpoint, a maintenance kit with replacement clips and a spare flag, and a contact for a local flag vendor. For retail properties and small businesses, train one staff member to carry out the raising and lowering procedure. For homeowners, post a simple how-to near your flagpole to ensure correct handling during sudden orders.

Quick Reference Table

FAQs and Final Notes

If unsure whether a specific order applies to your property, default to the most authoritative instruction available. Federal buildings follow presidential proclamations first, then governors orders may add state-specific observances. Keep a durable American Flags replacement on hand to prevent improper display when a flag becomes worn. A well maintained flag and a clear local protocol reduce mistakes and show respect for the symbolism represented by the flag.

Recordkeeping helps compliance. Keep a simple log with date, issuing authority, and the person who adjusted the flag. This practice is useful for schools, municipal offices, and businesses and shows a clear chain of responsibility during sensitive observances.