Flags at Half-mast?

 

Did you see a flag only half way up the flagpole this September 11^th? Flying the American flag at half-mast (also called half-staff) is a formal sign of respect, mourning, or remembrance. It is used to honor past military heroes. It is used when a past US President passes away. I may be used to commemorate special battles like Pearl Harbor. This time it was in honor of all who died in the September 11^th 2001. I can be Nation-wide when ordered by the President of the United States, or state wide when ordered by the governor.

According Arkadelphian.com, The tradition of flying a flag at half-mast began with a British ship in 1612. The captain of the Heart’s Ease had died, and the crew lowered the flag half-way down the mast as a show of mourning and respect. Other ships throughout the British Empire began following the tradition, including American colonial ships. The lowering of the flag represented symbolically making room for an invisible “flag of death.”  

In the United States, whenever you raise the flag to half-mast, it is proper to raise it all the way to the top and then lower it to the correct spot. It will stay this way until the order which can be only for the day or a few days, is expired. When it is time to lower the flag, it is first raised all the way to the top and then lowered. Each country around the world has its own special rules for flying it’s flags.

Next time you see a flag at half-mast, take some time to think about the reason it is there. Always be respectful to our flag and for what it stands.

Well that’s all for this week. See you soon!

Love Papaw.