Why is the American flag at half-mast today 2020?
U.S. flags will fly at half-staff on federal and military posts through Sunday as President Trump orders a remembrance of the nearly 100,000 people who have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. Earlier this month, flags in the hard-hit state of New York flew at half their normal height to honor those lost to the pandemic.
Should flags be flying at half-mast?
Following the death of the President or a former President, the flag should be flown at half-staff for 30 days. Following the death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice, a retired Chief Justice of the United States or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the flag should be flown at half-staff for 10 days.
What does a half-mast flag signify?
Half-mast (British, Canadian and Australian English) or half-staff (American English) refers to a flag flying below the summit of a ship mast, a pole on land, or a pole on a building. In many countries this is seen as a symbol of respect, mourning, distress, or, in some cases, a salute.
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.
How long should flags be at half-mast?
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.
Why are flags at half-mast or half-staff?
When a flag is flown half-staff, it signifies a mournful salute, often for fallen soldiers, police officers, or other service members. It refers to a flag flown below the top of a flagpole, usually about halfway to the top.
When should a flag be flown at half-staff?
The president may order the flag to be flown at half-staff to mark the death of other officials, former officials, or foreign dignitaries. In addition to these occasions, the president may order half-staff display of the flag after other tragic events.
What if you can’t fly a flag at half-mast?
If Your Flag Can’t Fly at Half-Staff For flags that can’t be lowered, such as those on many homes, the American Legion says that attaching a black ribbon or streamer to the top of the flag is an acceptable alternative. The ribbon should be the same width as a stripe on the flag and the same length as the flag.
Should you say half-mast or half-staff?
The term “half-mast” is preferred by dictionaries and seems more appropriate at sea (as ships have masts). “Half-staff” seems more appropriate on land, and is the preferred term used in the Flag Code and in Presidential proclamations.