How to Lower Flags Designated to Be at Half-Mast
- 1). Determine that the flag should be flown at half-mast. In the United States, the national flag is flown at half-mast on Memorial Day (until noon), Patriot Day (September 11), Pearl Harbor Day (December 7) and Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15). The national flag should also be flown at half-mast after the death of certain government officials, or as proclaimed by the President. A Governor or Mayor may order the state or city flag flown at half-mast.
- 2). Raise the flag as you normally would, briskly and with dignity. Pause for a few moments to let it fly at the top of the flagpole.
- 3). Lower the flag slowly and ceremoniously to the half-staff position. Secure the flag somewhere between a third and a half of the way down the flagpole, but never further than halfway down.
- 4). Raise the flag to the top of the flagpole again, and let it fly for a few moments before taking it down at the end of the day.
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