The flag is flown at half-staff (or half-mast) as a symbol of respect, mourning, or distress. This tradition serves as a visual sign of national or local mourning, often during the death of important figures, tragic events, or memorial days. The practice involves lowering the flag to about halfway down the pole after raising it briefly to the top, and then lowering it again before taking it down for the day. The tradition dates back to the 17th century and is used worldwide with some variations in protocol. In the United States, for example, the President or state Governors may order flags at half- staff to mark the passing of principal government figures or tragic events. Flags are flown at half-staff on government buildings, public schools, and military bases during these times of mourning or respect.
Hence, seeing a flag half-staff today often indicates a period of national or community mourning, such as recent orders to honor victims of tragic events like mass shootings or the death of an important individual.
