Half-Staff Etiquette

The American flag half-staff decrees come directly from the President of the United States.

Each year, the flag is flown at half-staff on the following days:

• National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day
• Peace Officers Day
• Memorial Day
• Patriots' Day
• Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
• Pearl Harbor

Additionally, the President releases an official half-staff proclamation:

• In memoriam of an American who left a legacy and indelible mark on the United States.
• As a mark of respect after a national tragedy.
• As a mark of respect after a major world event.

On American flag half-staff days, there are a few simple steps to follow: 

1. At sunrise, raise your flag to the top of the staff then pause at full staff before lowering to half-staff.
2. At sunset, raise your flag to the top of the staff then pause at full staff before lowering it and unhooking the flag.
3. Fly State, County and all other flags at half-staff.

On Memorial Day, the flag is raised to full-mast at noon.

For flags that can't be lowered to half-staff, you can add a mourning ribbon to pay your respects.

For state flags, follow your state Governor's office for official guidance. 

And remember that only the President of the United States can authorize the lowering of the American flag. If a state is flying flags at half-staff, it includes all flags except the American flag.