2012
When should flags fly at half-staff?
Driving around on a given day, you may come across a flag that is flying at half-staff. Believe it or not, there actually is a method and reasoning behind when flags are supposed to fly at half-staff. Flying a flag at half-staff means that the flag is raised only halfway – in between the top and bottom of the flagpole – and it not only symbolizes grief and mourning, but also respect. Flags fly in instances of national distress, remembrance and recognition of various holidays, or following the death of certain governmental officials. Additionally, according to the U.S. Flag Code, the President, state governors and the Mayor of Washington, D.C. have the power to order flags to fly at half-staff. The power to order flags at half-staff is considered an honor and is only kept as a responsibility of those in charge. The dates that are the most recognizable for flying flags at half-staff are: May 15th– known as Peace Officer’s Memorial Day, flags fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Memorial Day – this day always falls on the last Monday of the month of May; flags fly at half-staff from sunrise to noontime September 11th – known as … 
