Why Are Flags at Half-Mast Today in Hawai’i?
As I drove to work this morning, I noticed that the flags outside the state Capitol and other government buildings were flying at half-mast. I wondered why and did a little research to find out. Here’s what I learned.
The flags are at half-mast today to honor the victims of the mass shooting that occurred in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. The shooting, which took place at a gay nightclub, left 49 people dead and 53 others injured. It was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
The Meaning of Half-Mast
Flags are flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning or respect. The tradition dates back to the 17th century, when ships would lower their flags to half-mast as a sign of distress or surrender. Today, flags are flown at half-mast to honor the dead, to mark a national tragedy, or to show solidarity with another country that is mourning.
When Flags Are Flown at Half-Mast
In the United States, flags are flown at half-mast on the following occasions:
- The death of the President, Vice President, or former President
- The death of a member of Congress
- The death of a Supreme Court Justice
- The death of a governor
- The death of a member of the armed forces who died in the line of duty
- A national tragedy, such as a mass shooting or a natural disaster
- To show solidarity with another country that is mourning
How to Fly a Flag at Half-Mast
To fly a flag at half-mast, you will need to lower the flag to the middle of the pole. Then, raise the flag back up to the top of the pole and then lower it again to the half-mast position. The flag should be flown at half-mast for the entire day.
Tips for Flying a Flag at Half-Mast
Here are a few tips for flying a flag at half-mast:
- Make sure that the flag is clean and in good condition.
- Use a sturdy flagpole that is tall enough to fly the flag at half-mast.
- Lower the flag slowly and carefully.
- Raise the flag back up to the top of the pole and then lower it again to the half-mast position.
- Fly the flag at half-mast for the entire day.
Conclusion
Flying a flag at half-mast is a way to show respect for the dead, to mark a national tragedy, or to show solidarity with another country that is mourning. It is a simple gesture that can be a powerful symbol of unity and remembrance.
Are you interested in learning more about the history and meaning of flags? I encourage you to do some research on your own. You can find a lot of great information online and in libraries.
FAQs
Q: Why are flags flown at half-mast?
A: Flags are flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning or respect. It is a way to honor the dead, to mark a national tragedy, or to show solidarity with another country that is mourning.
Q: When are flags flown at half-mast?
A: In the United States, flags are flown at half-mast on the following occasions:
- The death of the President, Vice President, or former President
- The death of a member of Congress
- The death of a Supreme Court Justice
- The death of a governor
- The death of a member of the armed forces who died in the line of duty
- A national tragedy, such as a mass shooting or a natural disaster
- To show solidarity with another country that is mourning
Q: How do I fly a flag at half-mast?
A: To fly a flag at half-mast, you will need to lower the flag to the middle of the pole. Then, raise the flag back up to the top of the pole and then lower it again to the half-mast position. The flag should be flown at half-mast for the entire day.
Q: What are some tips for flying a flag at half-mast?
A: Here are a few tips for flying a flag at half-mast:
- Make sure that the flag is clean and in good condition.
- Use a sturdy flagpole that is tall enough to fly the flag at half-mast.
- Lower the flag slowly and carefully.
- Raise the flag back up to the top of the pole and then lower it again to the half-mast position.
- Fly the flag at half-mast for the entire day.
