Why Is the US Flag Flying at Half Staff Today? A Complete Guide to Half-Staff American Flag Etiquette

 

A lone American flag hanging at half-mast can stop you in your tracks. In one glance, it says: Something important happened. Someone is being honored.

But if you’re like most people, that sight also sparks questions:

• Why is the US flag flying at half staff today?
• Is there a special observance on the half mast calendar I missed?
• Should my flag at home, school, or business be lowered too?

This guide from TidmoreFlags.com will walk you through what half-mast means, who decides, when to lower your flag, how to do it correctly, and how to stay in sync with national and state half masts all year long.

Quick Half-Staff Calendar: Key National Days to Remember

Before we dive deeper, here’s a simple half mast calendar you can reference throughout the year. These are some of the most commonly observed national half-staff days for the American flag (always confirm current proclamations for any changes or additions):

Date / Timeframe	Half-Staff Instructions	Reason / Occasion
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)	Half-staff from sunrise until noon, then full staff	Honors all U.S. military personnel who died in service
Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15)	Half-staff from sunrise to sunset	Honors fallen law enforcement officers
Patriot Day (September 11)	Half-staff from sunrise to sunset	Remembers those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day (early October)	Half-staff (date set by proclamation)	Honors firefighters who died in the line of duty
Presidential & Congressional Proclamations	As stated in each order	Death of national leaders, major tragedies, or days of mourning

On top of these, state half masts may be ordered by governors for fallen state officials, law enforcement, firefighters, or local tragedies. That’s why on some days you’ll see a half mast American flag in certain states but not nationwide.

So the next time you ask, “Why is the US flag flying at half staff today?” it’s likely due to one of these national observances or a specific state half-mast order.

What a Half-Mast American Flag Really Means

People often use “half-mast” and “half-staff” interchangeably. Technically:

• Half-mast – Traditionally used for flags on ships or naval stations.
• Half-staff – Proper term for flags on land (homes, schools, city halls, businesses).

Either way, a half mast American flag sends a clear, solemn message:

The nation, or a community, is in mourning, remembrance, or deep respect.

You’ll commonly see the American flag at half-staff for:

• National tragedies and mass casualty events
• The passing of presidents, high-ranking officials, or justices
• Fallen service members and first responders
• Specific national remembrance days on the half mast calendar

When you follow these observances at your own home, school, church, or business, your flag display becomes part of a larger, shared act of honor.

A Story of One Family and One Flag

Picture this:

It’s early on Memorial Day. The sun is barely up. The neighborhood is quiet.

A father and his teenage daughter step outside, American flag folded carefully in their hands. They walk to their 20' in-ground flagpole, knowing that today isn’t just another day off—it’s a day of remembrance.

“I saw on the news that flags are supposed to be at half-staff,” the daughter says.
“Right,” the father nods. “We raise it all the way up first, then lower it halfway. That’s the proper way.”

They:

• Attach the flag to the halyard.
• Raise it briskly all the way to the top—full staff.
• Pause for a quiet moment.
• Lower it slowly to half-staff, securing the rope.

Later that morning, they drive to the store and see flags at the post office, the courthouse, and the fire station all at half-staff. Their flag at home matches those symbols of national remembrance.

At noon, they return to the pole. Following the half mast calendar tradition for Memorial Day, they raise the flag from half-staff up to full staff, honoring not just sacrifice but also continued hope and resolve.

Their neighbors see the example and ask:

“Hey, how did you know exactly what to do with your flag today?”

That one family didn’t just display a flag. They participated in a nationwide moment of gratitude and reverence—just by knowing how to handle half-staff etiquette.

Who Decides? National vs. State Half Masts

Many people type “half staff US flag today” into a search engine because they want to follow the rules but aren’t sure who makes the call.

National Authority

At the federal level, the President of the United States can order the American flag to be flown at half-staff on:

• Federal buildings and grounds
• Military bases and naval vessels
• U.S. embassies and consulates abroad

These proclamations often cover:

• The death of presidents, vice presidents, and other national leaders
• Members of Congress or Supreme Court justices
• Victims of national tragedies
• Special national days of remembrance

Whenever a new proclamation goes out, you’ll often see:

• News headlines explaining why the US flag is flying at half staff today
• Notices on government websites
• Updates pushed to half mast calendar websites and alerts

State Authority and State Half Masts

Each governor can also order flags to half-staff within their state. These state half masts are usually declared for:

• Fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, or EMTs
• State officials or local leaders
• State-level tragedies, disasters, or significant anniversaries

That’s why:

• You might see a half mast American flag in your state, while a friend in another state sees no change.

To stay in sync with your state, you can:

• Check your governor’s official website for “Flag Status” or “Half-Staff Orders.”
• Follow local news channels or state veterans’ affairs departments.
• Use a half mast calendar that includes state-by-state alerts.

How to Fly the American Flag at Half-Staff (Step-by-Step)

If today’s news makes you wonder, “Should my flag be at half-staff too?” here’s how to handle your own display with confidence.

For In-Ground Flagpoles

1. Attach the Flag: Clip the flag to the halyard as you normally would.
2. Raise to Full Staff First: Briskly raise the flag all the way to the top of the pole.
3. Pause Briefly at the Top: Honor the flag at its highest position.
4. Lower to Half-Staff: Slowly lower the flag to about halfway between the top and bottom of the pole, keeping it clear of trees, roofs, and shrubs.
5. Secure the Halyard: Tie off the rope so the flag doesn’t slip.

At the end of the observance:

• Raise the flag back to the top briskly, then lower it fully to remove at sunset, or
• Leave it at full staff for the rest of the day (for observances like Memorial Day after noon).

For Wall-Mounted or Short Residential Poles

Not every setup makes half-staff easy. If your American flag is on a short house-mounted pole:

• Some brackets allow a second position to suggest half-staff.
• If you can’t adjust height clearly, you may choose to fly a mourning ribbon or keep the flag at full staff in excellent condition rather than letting it droop or touch the ground.

The priority is always respect:

• No dragging on the ground
• No tattered or excessively worn flags
• Proper lighting at night—or take it down at sunset

Why Half-Staff Matters: More Than Just a Position on the Pole

In a world full of notifications and headlines, the sight of a half mast American flag is one of the simplest, most powerful messages we share as a country.

It says:

• We remember those who gave their lives.
• We acknowledge tragedy and loss.
• We stand in solidarity during difficult times.

Your individual flagpole might seem small. But when you follow the half mast calendar and honor state half masts, your home, school, church, or business becomes part of a much larger symbol of unity.

So ask yourself:

The next time you see the half staff US flag today at a post office or city hall—will your flag join it?

Common Mistakes with Half-Staff Flags (and How to Fix Them)

Mistake #1: Skipping the Full Raise

Wrong: Pulling the flag directly to halfway.
Right: Always raise the American flag briskly to the top, pause, then lower it to half-staff.

Mistake #2: Drooping Too Low

Wrong: Flag is so low it gets lost in bushes or brushes the roof or ground.
Right: Aim for a clear, mid-pole position where the flag can fly freely and visibly.

Mistake #3: Not Following Today’s Proclamations

Wrong: Never changing the flag position because you’re unsure what’s happening.
Right: Use a trusted half mast calendar, state half-mast alerts, or local news updates so you’re not guessing.

Mistake #4: Using a Worn or Torn Flag

Wrong: Thinking, “It’s just a sad day, so a faded flag is fine.”
Right: A damaged American flag should be retired respectfully. A day of mourning deserves a flag in good condition.

Mistake #5: Leaving It at Half-Staff Too Long

Wrong: Forgetting to return the flag to full staff after the observance ends.
Right: Note the end time (sunset or noon, depending on the proclamation) and adjust your flag accordingly.

FAQ: Answers to Popular Half-Staff Questions

1. Why is the US flag flying at half staff today?

If you’re seeing a half mast American flag and wondering this, it’s usually because of:

• A presidential proclamation for a national day of mourning or the death of a major leader
• A specific commemoration day on the half mast calendar (like Memorial Day or Patriot Day)
• A state half-mast order from your governor for a local tragedy or fallen hero

Check the White House or state governor’s official website, national or state “flag status” pages, or local news reports for today’s reason.

2. How can I quickly find out if I should lower my home or business flag?

Search terms like “half staff US flag today” or “flag status today” often pull up official or trusted sources. You can also:

• Subscribe to email or text alerts
• Use a half-staff notification app
• Follow local government or veterans’ organizations on social media

3. Do I have to follow state half masts as a private citizen?

You’re not legally required to, but it’s highly encouraged as an act of respect and unity. When your American flag matches your community’s observance, it sends a powerful message of solidarity.

4. Should state flags and other flags be lowered too?

Yes—when the American flag is at half-staff:

• Any state flags or other flags on the same pole should also be lowered, and
• The U.S. flag should always remain in the place of honor, above other flags.

On separate poles, all flags should follow the half-staff order, with the American flag in the primary position.

5. What if my flag setup doesn’t allow half-staff?

If your pole is too short or fixed:

• Consider adding a mourning ribbon above the flag on appropriate days.
• At minimum, fly a clean, undamaged American flag and observe the day through silence, prayer, or community events.

Stay Ready for the Next Half-Staff Day with TidmoreFlags.com

Following the half mast calendar and honoring state half masts is much easier when your flag and hardware are in good shape. If your flag is faded, your pole is hard to operate, or your hardware is worn out, even simple acts of respect become frustrating.

At TidmoreFlags.com, you’ll find:

• High-quality American flags made in the USA in nylon and heavy-duty polyester
• Outdoor flagpoles and residential kits designed for easy raising and lowering—perfect for half-staff observances
• State flags and other banners to display beneath or alongside your U.S. flag
• Hardware and accessories (halyards, snaps, brackets, truck assemblies, and more) to keep your setup reliable and respectful

Whether you’re outfitting a home, a business, a school, a church, or a municipal building, Tidmore Flags can help you be prepared for today, tomorrow, and every important date on the half mast calendar.

Visit TidmoreFlags.com today to upgrade your American flag, pole, and accessories—so the next time someone wonders “why is the US flag flying at half staff today?” your display will be ready to answer with dignity and respect.