Why are we lowering flags today?

What does it mean to lower the flag to half-staff? Lowering the flag is a sign of respect, mourning or distress. In the U.S., lowering the flag traditionally signals that the country or a state is in mourning.

Why are flags flown at half-mast?

Display at half staff 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 rule for flying the flag at half-staff?

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 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.

Why should the flag be flown at half-mast Philippine?

Under Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, flags should be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on all buildings and places where it is displayed. For the death of a president or a former president, flags should be placed at half-staff for 10 days.

What does lowered flag mean?

Lowering the flag is a sign of respect, mourning or distress. Most English-speaking countries use the term half-mast, but in the United States, that refers only to flags flown on ships. In the U.S., lowering the flag traditionally signals that the country or a state is in mourning.

Is the lowering of the flag to the middle of the pole?

Mourning is usually expressed by lowering the national flag to half mast. When flying the flag at half mast, the flag should first be raised to the top of the pole and then lowered so that the flag’s lower edge is in the middle of the pole.