What does lowering the American flag mean?
of respect, mourning or distress
Lowering the flag is a sign of respect, mourning or distress. Most English-speaking countries use the term half-mast, but in the United States, that refers only to flags flown on ships. In the U.S., lowering the flag traditionally signals that the country or a state is in mourning.
What is the flag down rule?
(a) The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
Who can order the American Flag to half-mast?
The president
The president, through a presidential proclamation, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.
How do you know when to lower the flag?
Most half-staff days suggest that the American flag is at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on the days of the order. Memorial Day is the exception where the American flag is at half-staff from sunrise until noon.
Who can order the American flag to half-mast?
When should a flag be taken down?
sunrise to sunset
The Flag Code states it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
When should the flag be lowered to half-mast?
Fly the American Flag at Half-Staff Most often, this is done to mark the death of a government official, military member, or first responder; in honor of Memorial Day or other national day of remembrance; or following a national tragedy.
What are the rules for flying the American flag at half-mast?
The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
What are the rules for lowering a flag to half-mast?
How do you know when to raise and lower the American flag?
Hold your salute until the flag is removed or, if there is music, until the music stops. If the flag was flying at half staff, raise the flag all the way to the top of the flagpole and then lower it. If you are displaying multiple flags, lower the US flag last.
What is considered defacing the American flag?
Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.