How to Fly the American Flag Half-Staff

Immediate steps to lower an American flag to half staff

To lower a half staff American flag quickly and respectfully, follow these exact actions: if your flag is on a pole with a halyard, briskly raise the flag to the peak one time, then lower it slowly to the half-staff position (the midpoint between the top and bottom of the staff). Secure the halyard to the cleat, tie a quick hitch to prevent slipping, and visually confirm the flag sits at the proper height. If you do not have a halyard system, use a ladder and a partner to move the flag down the pole to the midpoint, ensuring the flag never touches the ground.

Step-by-step lowering and securing

• Inspect the halyard and hardware for frays or broken snaps before you begin.
• Bring the flag smartly to the pole truck and raise it briskly to the peak; pause momentarily to acknowledge the act.
• Lower the flag ceremoniously to half-staff. The official half-staff position is approximately halfway between the top and bottom of the pole; some authorities specify one arm’s length below the peak on smaller poles. Use a measuring tape or mark the halyard the first time to make it repeatable.
• Wrap the excess halyard neatly and tie it to the cleat using a cleat hitch or a quick-release knot. Avoid overly tight knots that could be difficult to undo.
• If conditions are windy, lower to a more secure point and avoid exposing frayed flags to further stress.

How to raise the flag at the end of the day

• Before lowering the flag for the day, raise it quickly to the peak again for a moment. Then lower it fully and fold it respectfully.
• If the flag remains at half staff for multiple days due to a proclamation, repeat the peak-then-half sequence daily when hoisting.

Official occasions and who orders half-staff

Federal, state, and local observances determine when the United States flag is flown at half-staff. The President of the United States issues national proclamations for mourning periods and half-staff observances. Governors have authority to order flags at half-staff within their states for deaths of state officials or other local tragedies. Common official occasions include:

• The death of the President or former Presidents and their immediate family members per presidential proclamation.
• The death of other high-ranking government officials as designated by the President.
• Memorial Day: the flag is displayed at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.
• National remembrance days such as Patriot Day (September 11) and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day when proclamations call for half-staff observance.
• Law enforcement, military, or first responder line-of-duty deaths when ordered by federal or state officials.

Always check the current Presidential proclamations and state announcements. Many local government websites publish official orders and specific start and end times for half-staff observance.

Display rules when multiple flags are present

• When the U.S. flag is displayed with state, local, or organizational flags on separate staffs, the U.S. flag is paramount. If the U.S. flag is ordered to half-staff, lower the other flags to half-staff as well to show uniform mourning, unless a local protocol states otherwise.
• When the U.S. flag is displayed with another flag from the same pole on a staff yardarm, always treat the U.S. flag with precedence. If the U.S. flag is lowered to half-staff, remove other flags from that pole or lower them as directed.
• Indoors, when the flag is on a staff in a church or public auditorium, lower the U.S. flag to half-staff in the same manner as outdoor flags. If multiple flags are arranged on a stage, place the U.S. flag to the speaker’s right (audience left) and lower or remove the others according to the venue’s protocol.

Choosing the right American Flags and hardware

Product selection matters for dignity and durability. Match the flag material and size to the location and weather exposure.

• Nylon American Flags: Lightweight, dries quickly, and fly well in light breezes; ideal for most residential outdoor settings.
• Polyester American Flags: Thicker and more durable in high-wind situations; use on tall poles or exposed sites.
• Cotton American Flags: Traditional appearance for indoor or ceremonial use; not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure.

Size guidelines: For a 20-foot pole, use a 3x5 foot flag. For 25 to 30 foot poles, consider a 4x6 foot or 5x8 foot flag. Always confirm pole height to flag size ratios with vendor recommendations.

Hardware and accessories:

• Halyard: Use a two-line, UV-rated halyard for longevity. Consider a rope with a protective sleeve in areas with high abrasion.
• Snaps and swivels: Heavy-duty brass or stainless steel snaps reduce wear and prevent tangling; a swiveling snap helps the flag spin freely.
• Cleat and truck: Brass or stainless-steel fixtures resist rust. Ensure the cleat is mounted at a comfortable height for knotting.
• Flagpole maintenance: Inspect the truck, halyard, and rope attachment points twice a year and replace any worn components.

Point-of-sale tip: Look for flags with reinforced stitching, double-stitched hems, and sewn stars rather than printed ones for extended life. Many suppliers label flags as "outdoor" or "indoor" to guide buyers.

Handling, care, and weather considerations

• Do not allow the flag to touch the ground, water, or pavement. If it does, stop the lowering operation immediately and replace or launder the flag according to material.
• In adverse weather: Remove and properly store flags in high winds, heavy rain, or icy conditions that may tear fabric. If ordered to fly at half-staff during a storm, prioritize safety; do not risk climbing a pole in unsafe conditions.
• Cleaning: Machine wash nylon flags on gentle cycle and air dry. Polyester flags may require spot cleaning or vendor-specific care. Repair small tears promptly by sewing or patching; retire flags that are badly faded or tattered.
• Storage: Folded flat in a dry, breathable container. Avoid plastic bags for long-term storage, which can trap moisture and promote mildew.

Special circumstances and respectful practices

• Short-staff poles and nontraditional mounts: If you cannot achieve a true halfway point because of pole design, position the flag visibly lower than full staff but clear of obstructions, and take a photo for documentation if required for organizational records.
• Private residences: Homeowners may observe half-staff orders. Use the same peak-then-half routine and secure the flag overnight or during bad weather.
• Community displays: Coordinate with local officials and organizations to ensure consistent timing and appearance across a block or campus.

Quick practical checklist

• Check proclamations before lowering: federal or state orders determine timing.
• Inspect your American Flags and hardware for wear before use.
• Hoist to the peak briefly, then lower to half-staff. Tie the halyard securely.
• If lowering for the day, hoist to the peak before full lowering and fold neatly.
• Store flags dry and inspect routinely for UV damage or fraying.

Proper half-staff observance is both procedural and symbolic. Using the right American Flags, maintaining hardware, and following the peak-then-half routine will ensure respectful display during mourning periods while protecting your investment in flags and pole equipment.