It’s important to know the appropriate time to display your U.S. Flag at half-staff. It’s meant to be a symbol for when the entire nation is in mourning. However, it’s also lowered on certain holidays throughout the year. Below is an overview of these special days, so you know when and how to pay tribute with this tradition.

Events That Require the Flag to Be Flown at Half-Staff

Holidays

There are specific holidays of the year in which the flag should be flown at half-staff. These dates include Armed Forces Day, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Patriot Day, and Memorial Day. The American flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on these days, except for Memorial Day. On this day, the flag should be at half-staff from sunrise until noon.  The proper etiquette is to raise the flag to full-staff, then lower to half-staff. The flag should be again raised before it is lowered for the day.

Passing of Important Figures

When important figures, such as a former president or major government officials, have passed, there are traditions in place that dictate when the flag should be at half-staff. After the death of a president, the flag should fly at half-staff for 30 days. It should also fly for 10 days following the death of the vice president, or a current or retired chief justice of the United States supreme court. The president may also do a proclamation to have the flag at half-staff to mark the death of other officials or another tragic event. Harbortown Flag strives to keep you informed of these events via Facebook and emails. Follow Harbortown Flag on Facebook, and sign up for direct emails at www.HTMarine.com (Harbortown Flag’s parent company) to receive half-staff notices as well as special pricing sales throughout the year.

If you’re searching for an American flag that you can display on your house-pole, yard-pole, window or car, turn to Harbortown Flag, the premier flag supplier in Vermilion, OH. They also specialize in commercial and residential flagpole installation and offer discounts to military and civilian servicemen and women. Call (440) 967-3524 today to speak with one of their friendly customer service representatives or visit their website for more information about their full range of products.