Rules of Flying an American Flag at Half Mast

Ever since the 9/11 tragedy, patriotic Americans have increasingly flown their flags with pride. Some purists have become upset at the ignorance of some flag flyers, in terms of knowing the proper way to fly the national symbol. Below are some basic rules to be observed when flying a flag at half-mast or half-staff.

Lowered

When flying a flag at half-mast, it is imperative the flag be lowered to half-mast, not raised to half-mast.

Raised

It must first be raised to the top of the pole, and then brought down. Raising it only halfway actually disrespects the person being honored. It implies they are not worth the raising of the flag all the way.

Height

Half-mast doesn't actually mean half way. A flag flown at half-mast is really flown at about seventy-five percent of the way up the flag pole.

Night Flying

In the evening, the flag must be taken down, unless there is a light to illuminate it. When the flag is lowered it must not touch the ground.

Half-mast

Prospective flag wavers should perhaps visit the sites below in order to brush up on flag etiquette.

Resources

• In USA
• Rules & History