How should a flag be hoisted when flying the flag at half-staff?

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. Days the American flag should be flown at half-staff: May 15th – Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Do you salute a flag at half mast?

The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music. To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered.

How long do you keep a flag at half mast?

30 days
The flag should fly at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president.

Do you salute when the flag is lowered?

During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.

What does it mean when the American flag is half-mast?

respect
The flag is displayed at half-staff (half-mast in naval usage) as a sign of respect or mourning. Nationwide, this action is proclaimed by the president; state-wide or territory-wide, the proclamation is made by the governor.

What is the difference between half-staff and half-mast?

Half-mast is reserved primarily for ships when flags fly halfway during times of distress or mourning. According to the U.S. Flag Code, half-staff is largely an American English term where it distinguishes the position and manner of display on a flagpole as half-staff, or midway between the summit and bottom.

What does it mean when a flag is upside down?

According to U.S. Flag Code, the flag should never be displayed upside-down “except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.”

Do you stand at attention for retreat?

During the playing of reveille and retreat, uniformed military personnel should stand at attention and face the American flag, or the direction of the music if a flag is not visible. Civilians should stand at attention and place their right hand – with a hat if they’re wearing one – over their heart.

What are the rules for flying the flag at half staff?

Hours For Flying at Half-Staff. On most days that the U.S. flag is ordered to be flown at half-staff, it should be flown in that position from sunrise to sunset. The exception to this rule is on Memorial Day when the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon.

Is my flag supposed to be at half staff?

It is often recommended that a flag at half-staff be lowered only as much as the hoist, or width, of the flag. British flag protocol is that a flag should be flown no less than two-thirds of the way up the flagpole, with at least the height of the flag between the top of the flag and the top of the pole.

How do you half staff a flag?

The Flag in Mourning. To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered.

Why are flags flying at half staff?

The main reason for flying a flag at half-staff in many countries, including the U.S., is as a symbol of respect, mourning, or distress. The tradition of flying the flag at half-mast began in the 17th century, and with respect to mourning, it is believed that the flag is lowered to make room for an “invisible flag of death” flying above.