The American flags half staff in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist attacks on the United States on the evening of September 11th, 2001. The flag is generally flown at half-staff on other days, as well, due to a variety of reasons.

In this blog, we will explore the meaning and origins of the American flags half staff, as well as the various days it is typically flown. We hope that this information will help you better understand why the American flags half staff today and on other special occasions.

Is the American Flags Half Staff Today?

As we all mourn the victims of the shooting in Las Vegas, it’s important to remember that the flag is at half staff as a sign of grief and mourning. On official government days such as Memorial Day and Independence Day, the flag should be flown at full staff.

However, on other days – like today – it can be lowered to half staff to honor the victims of recent tragedies. Keep the flag at half staff until the national flag code is no longer in effect.

This will be on November 11th, 2020, the day after the 20th anniversary of the death of the flag’s Designer, Adm. William McRaven.

National Half-Staff Status

It is customary in the U.S. to fly the American flags half staff to honor the death of a president, governor, member of Congress or other official representative.

This national half-staff status applies only to the flag displayed on Federal property – not state or local flags. The time for flying the flag at half staff varies depending on the year – it generally starts on December 15th and ends on January 20th.

Arkansas Half-Staff Status

Today, the flag at half staff in Arkansas and all US territories is a sign of mourning for the death of former president George H.W. Bush. The flag was first flown at half staff to honor the death of US presidents on February 15th, which is also President Bush’s birthday.

Free – American Flag Half-Staff Alerts

When it comes to the American flag, half-staffing is a sign of mourning and remembrance. It is usually flown at the death of a famous person or when there’s an event related to national mourning (like a major hurricane).

The flag should only be lowered to the ground by order of the President of the United States or his/her designated representative.

That being said, if you happen to see this symbol flying at half staff in your locality, take notice and remember why it’s been pulled down – for those who have lost someone dear to them.

Customary Dates to Fly Half-Staff

Flags at half-staff are a sign of respect and mourning. They are lowered to half-staff to honor the death of a president, other officer of the United States, or a member of the U.S. military. Below are the five days on which the American flag is typically flown at half-staff:

1. In honor of a president or other officer of the United States who has died
2. To commemorate the death of an individual who served in any branch of the U.S. military
3. On Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May each year
4. During congressional recesses
5. Whenever the president directs

Conclusion

As we all know, the American flag is a symbol of national pride and is often flown at half-staff to show mourning or mourning in honor of a loved one. However, what are the customary dates for flying the flag at half-staff? What are the other special days when the flag is flown? Read on to find out!