Current Half-Staff Proclamation

Date(s): [INSERT DATE OR DATE RANGE]

Reason for Observance: [INSERT REASON FOR PROCLAMATION]

Issuing Authority: [President of the United States / Governor of ___]

The flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on the specified date(s), unless otherwise directed in the official proclamation.

What Does It Mean to Fly the Flag at Half-Staff?

Flying the American flag at half-staff is a formal sign of mourning and respect. It is traditionally ordered upon the death of public officials, in remembrance of national tragedies, or on designated days of observance such as Peace Officers Memorial Day, Patriot Day (September 11), and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7).

How to Properly Fly the American Flag at Half-Staff

• First raise the flag briskly to the top of the pole.
• Then lower it slowly to the half-staff position.
• Before lowering the flag for the day, raise it again to full staff.

The half-staff position is approximately halfway between the top and bottom of the flagpole.

Memorial Day Half-Staff Rule

On Memorial Day, the American flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only. At noon, it is raised to full staff for the remainder of the day. See the full list of federally recognized flag display days.

Who Orders Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff?

Nationwide half-staff orders are issued by the President of the United States. State-level half-staff proclamations may be issued by governors and apply only within their respective states.

Official proclamations are typically published through the White House or state executive offices. For general display standards, see the American flag display guide.

Legal Reference: United States Flag Code

Guidance for flying the flag at half-staff is derived from the United States Flag Code (4 U.S.C. § 7), which outlines recommended civilian practices for respectful display of the American flag.