Why do we fly the flag at half mast?

You may have noticed that the United States flag is currently flying at half-mast. But do you know why? The tradition of flying the flag at half mast began during the early days of our nation’s history. According to legend, one day in 1787, George Washington was attending a funeral when he observed the flag flying at full mast. He inquired as to why this was so and was informed that it was because no one had died aboard a ship. Washington is said to have replied, “In that case, put it at half mast until further notice.” And so the tradition began.Today, the tradition of flying the flag at half mast continues as a way to honor those who have died. Whether it is an individual, such as a member of the armed forces, or a large group of people, such as victims of a natural disaster, flying the flag at half mast is a somber way to show respect.

 

Another reason you may see the flag flown at half mast is in times of national mourning. After the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, for example, flags flew at half mast for 30 days across the nation. In 2001, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, flags were flown at half mast for nearly two months.

When you see the flag flying at half mast, take a moment to remember those who have lost their lives and show your respect for their memory. And if you happen to be in Washington, D.C., be sure to stop by and pay your respects at the Half Mast Park located on Pennsylvania Avenue between First and Second Streets NW.

How to fly the flag properly at half mast

Properly flying the flag at half mast is a sign of respect and mourning. Flags are flown at half mast as a sign of respect for important figures who have died, usually public figures such as politicians or other officials. In the United States, the flag is also flown at half mast on Memorial Day.

 

When lowering the flag to half mast, first raise it to the top of the pole. Then lower it halfway down. It is important to make sure that the flag is lowered in a dignified way and not just dropped. To raise the flag back up to full mast, first raise it all the way to the top of the pole, then lower it back down halfway.

 

If you are flying multiple flags, lower each one individually to half mast. For example, if you are flying an American flag and a state flag, lower the American flag first and then lower the state flag. Flying the flag at half mast is a sign of respect and mourning. When lowering the flag to half mast, first raise it to the top of the pole. Then lower it halfway down. If you are flying multiple flags, lower each one individually to half mast. To raise the flag back up to full mast, first raise it all the way to the top of the pole, then lower it back down halfway.