How to Raise a Flag to Half Mast
A tragedy happens. It could be the death of a president or something on a more severe scale such as the events of September 11, 2001. One way the United States shows it's support, grief, as well as it's unity, is by lowering the flag to half mast. Lowering the flag to half mast is a symbol of honor and sacrifice. The flag is usually lowered to half mast on Memorial Day as well as the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Raising the flag to half mast, however, involves more than just putting the flag up the flagpole half way. There is a correct way.
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Instructions
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Clip the flag to the line on the flag pole as usual. This usually involves two people: one to hold the flag and the other to clip it on.
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Raise the flag and as it is being raised, the second person unfolds it. The flag is raised all the way up as you would do on any other day, but unlike any other day, you are not finished. Do not tie the cord to the flag pole.
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Hoist the flag down where the top of the flag is approximately 1/3 of the way down the flag pole. In actually, half mast is more like 1/3 because placing the flag half way down is too low and some flags will almost touch the ground at that height.
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Tie the line to the flag pole.
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Tie a black ribbon to the top of a home or classroom flag that cannot be officially raised to half mast. It signifies that the nation is in mourning and in remembrance of that special day or special person.
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Tips & Warnings
The first time to place a flag at half mast, step back from the pole after you are done and check it out. Adjust the flag if necessary.
