Short answer: Flags are often flown at half-staff as a mark of mourning or tribute, typically ordered by the president or a state governor in response to deaths or major tragic events. Context and how it typically works:
- Federal level: The President can issue proclamations to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff for national mourning. This can follow the death of prominent national figures, tragic events, or in response to specific incidents. The proclamation usually specifies the duration and dates. [citations would be provided if tool results were available]
- State level: Governors can order flags at half-staff on state buildings for state-specific mourning or remembrance, such as deaths of notable state figures or in response to local tragedies. The duration and dates are outlined in the governor’s proclamation or state proclamations. [citations would be provided if tool results were available]
- Memorial contexts: Memorial Day observances often involve lowering flags to half-staff from sunrise to noon, after which they are raised to full staff to honor service members who died in service. [citations would be provided if tool results were available]
If you’d like, I can look up the current half-staff notice for today or the latest proclamation affecting your area, and give you a concise update with exact dates and reasons.
