Flags at Half-Staff Etiquette

This week our country is mourning the loss of a former president, George Herbert Walker Bush, who died last Friday. When our leaders die we as a country, seem to come together well to remember their life and accomplishments. And it also gives us a chance to witness the pomp and circumstance that is afforded a president of the United States when they die.

President Trump declared an official day of mourning today, the day of the funeral in Washington and all flags are being flown at half-staff out of respect. Those flags will remain at half-staff for 30 days. Being honored with flags at half-staff is reserved for a select few and at times has been confusing as to who orders the gesture. So, I have reprinted my column from the News Sentinel from March of 2016 when I was asked about the protocol for flags being flown at half-staff for first ladies when they die.

Here is that column…

March 18, 2016
Flag at Half-Staff Etiquette

Q. Karen, I noted that American flags were at half-staff in honor of former first lady, Nancy Reagan when she died. Is this usual? I don’t remember it happening in the past for other first ladies. Who decides when flags are to be flown at half-staff ?

A. There is no set protocol for funerals and ceremonies when a first lady dies like there is when a former or sitting president dies. Funerals for former first ladies are usually private affairs. But President Obama ordered American flags be lowered to half-staff, out of respect to Mrs. Reagan, at federal buildings, military posts, U.S. Naval vessels and diplomatic missions until sunset the day of her burial.

The same was done for Lady Bird Johnson when she died in 2007, but it was not done when Betty Ford died in 2011 or for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1994 or Pat Nixon in 1993. However, there was a 30 day period of mourning at the White House for Mrs. Nixon and Mrs. Kennedy when they died.

The order or “proclamation” of flags being lowered to half-staff is done at a time when the entire country is in mourning, as when a former or sitting president dies or there has been a national tragedy like 9/11. It is also ordered at times for other officials or foreign dignitaries. The order comes from the President of the United States.

In the event of the death of a former or sitting official of any state or territory of the United States, the governor of that state can order flags to be flown at half-staff on federal and other government buildings in that state for a designated period of time.

For anyone else to order flags flown at half-staff is technically, a breach of flag etiquette. The strict rules and codes are designed to insure proper respect for our flag.

The period of time that flags fly at half-staff is usually anywhere from a 30 day period for presidents to 10 days for vice presidents. It depends on the status of the person or persons who died.

There are other days of the year when flags are flown at half-staff. For instance, Memorial Day…flags are ordered to be flown at half staff from sunrise to noon on that day every year, to honor war heroes. Also, September 11, which is now designated as “Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.”

The flag should be raised briskly to the top of the staff before being lowered to half-staff.

For more information on the rules and regulations for flying the American flag you can go to many web sites that list the official codes.