Flags at half-staff and national days of mourning signal collective grief and respect after the death of a prominent figure or a major tragedy. These periods are governed by clear protocols: leaders issue official notices, flags are lowered, and calendars adjust to accommodate ceremonies, closures, and moments of silence.

Below, you’ll find what these terms mean, who decides them, how they’re announced, and how schedules shift—plus practical guidance for homes, schools, and workplaces.

What “flags at half-staff” and “national day of mourning” mean

Flags at half-staff (called half-mast at sea and in some countries) is the practice of lowering a flag to roughly midway on a flagpole to honor the deceased or mark solemn remembrance. It is a visible, universal sign of mourning and respect.

National day of mourning is a designated day when a country collectively commemorates a loss—often a state funeral for a head of state, a catastrophic event, or the death of a national figure. Governments may order closures, moments of silence, and official ceremonies, and flag-lowering is typically part of the observance.

Who decides, and how announcements are made

United States

• Authority: The President may issue a Presidential Proclamation to lower flags at federal buildings and military installations nationwide and to declare a national day of mourning. Governors can order half-staff at state facilities within their states.
• Legal framework: The U.S. Flag Code provides guidance on durations and occasions; it’s widely followed by public institutions and many private entities.
• Where it’s posted: The White House website, the Federal Register or official bulletin, and press releases. State orders appear on governor websites and state emergency management or protocol office pages. Public safety agencies and school districts often relay notices.

United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms

• Authority: Guidance comes from central government protocol offices. In the UK, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) issues flag flying guidance for government buildings; the Royal Household and the Prime Minister’s Office coordinate national mourning arrangements.
• Where it’s posted: Government websites, official gazettes, and media briefings. Similar structures exist in Canada (Canadian Heritage), Australia (Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet), and New Zealand (Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet).

Other countries and supranational bodies

• European countries: National protocol offices or interior ministries direct flag-lowering and mourning periods. Government gazettes and official social channels announce details.
• International institutions: The EU, UN, and other bodies may lower their own flags or observe silence; member states decide independently for national flags.

Typical announcement channels

• Official websites and gazettes (e.g., President’s or Prime Minister’s site)
• Press briefings and releases to media
• Government social media accounts
• Direct notices to public agencies, schools, and facility managers
• Emergency management email lists and alerts

How long flags stay at half-staff

Durations vary by country and by the person or event being honored. Below are common patterns and U.S. examples:

United States: common durations under the Flag Code

• President or former President: 30 days from death.
• Vice President, Chief Justice (or retired), Speaker of the House: 10 days.
• Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Cabinet member, former VP, state governor: From death until interment (burial/entombment).
• Members of Congress: Day of death and the following day.
• Tragedies and special observances: The President may set specific dates and times by proclamation.

Recurring U.S. half-staff dates

• Memorial Day (last Monday in May): Half-staff until noon, then raised to full staff.
• Patriot Day (Sept. 11): Half-staff for the day.
• Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15): Half-staff for the day.
• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec. 7): Half-staff for the day.
• National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day (first Sunday in October): Half-staff for the day.

Elsewhere: indicative patterns

• United Kingdom: National mourning after the death of a monarch typically runs until the funeral. Flags at government buildings fly at half-mast during that period, with specific exceptions (e.g., Proclamation Day ceremonies).
• Commonwealth countries: Often follow central guidance with state/territory variations and half-masting for national tragedies or the death of senior officeholders.
• Europe and Asia: Durations are set by head of state/government or interior ministries; 1–7 days are common for tragedies, longer for heads of state.

What happens during a national day of mourning

While practices vary, national days of mourning commonly include:

• Flag-lowering: Government buildings, military installations, and many private institutions lower flags at half-staff/half-mast.
• Official ceremonies: Lying in state or repose, processions, religious or civic services, minute guns, and moments of silence.
• Closures and adjustments: Federal or national public offices may close; courts may adjourn; public schools and universities often modify schedules or close by local decision.
• Broadcast and public tone: Media may change programming; entertainment events might be postponed or observed with tributes.
• Financial markets and mail: On some national mourning days (e.g., for a former head of state), exchanges have historically closed and postal service has been reduced or suspended; specifics depend on the order and the sector.
• Community observances: Books of condolence, candlelight vigils, and interfaith services.

How calendars adjust: ceremonies, closures, and observances

Government and institutional calendars

• Immediate updates: Protocol offices push changes to internal calendars, adding flag-lowering periods, ceremonies, and service adjustments.
• Public listings: Websites and event pages publish funeral timings, procession routes, and traffic advisories.
• Education: School districts announce closures or schedule modifications; many hold observances or moments of silence.

Operations and service levels

• Public services: Offices may close or operate on reduced hours; passport, licensing, and administrative counters may pause service.
• Transit and roads: Processions prompt temporary route changes and street closures; transit agencies update rider alerts.
• Courts and legislatures: Sessions may be suspended; deadlines can be extended by order. Check court notices for specific impacts.

Workplaces and businesses

• Discretionary observance: Private employers often follow public-sector guidance, lowering flags and offering commemorations; some adjust hours or postpone events, especially if located along procession routes.
• Compliance vs. courtesy: In many jurisdictions, private compliance isn’t mandatory but is encouraged as a sign of respect.
• Customer communication: Update websites, storefront signage, and appointment systems to reflect adjusted hours or closures.

Deadlines, markets, and mail

• Financial markets: Exchanges may announce closures or moments of silence; practices vary by country and by the significance of the event.
• Mail and deliveries: Postal services may reduce or suspend service on official national mourning days if ordered; private carriers announce their own adjustments.
• Deadlines: Statutory and regulatory deadlines might be extended; always consult the issuing authority’s notice.

Flag etiquette for homes, schools, and workplaces

• When lowering: Raise the flag briskly to the peak, then lower it slowly to half-staff. At day’s end, raise it again to the peak before fully lowering.
• Time of day: Fly flags from sunrise to sunset. If flown at night, they should be properly illuminated.
• Multiple flags: When multiple flags are on separate poles, lower all appropriate flags proportionally. The national flag maintains precedence. On a single halyard with multiple flags, the national flag should be at the highest position on that halyard even when at half-staff relative to the pole.
• If your flag cannot be lowered: Affix a black mourning ribbon to the top of the staff or drape a black ribbon on the flag in a manner consistent with national guidance.
• Vertical or wall-mounted flags: Mirror the intent by displaying a black ribbon or appropriate mourning cravat if the flag can’t be physically lowered.
• Condition matters: Use a clean, serviceable flag. Retire worn flags respectfully according to local customs.
• Half-staff vs half-mast: “Half-staff” is the term for land-based poles in the United States; “half-mast” is often used at sea and in many Commonwealth countries.

How to stay informed and prepared

• Subscribe to alerts: Follow the official head-of-state/government website, protocol office, or cultural heritage ministry. Sign up for email alerts where available.
• Use calendar feeds: Many governments and civic groups publish iCal/ICS feeds for flag-lowering dates and remembrance days; add them to your organization’s shared calendar.
• Designate a point person: Assign an internal “protocol lead” to receive notices, coordinate flag changes, and communicate any closures or schedule shifts.
• Prepare templates: Pre-draft internal emails, public notices, and social posts so you can publish updates quickly and respectfully.
• Coordinate facilities: Ensure maintenance has access to flagpoles and lighting, and verify spare black ribbons or mourning cravats are on hand.

Common misconceptions

• “Every tragic news event means national half-staff.” Not necessarily. National directives come from designated authorities; local officials may order regional half-staff for localized tragedies.
• “Private entities are legally required to comply.” Often not, though compliance is customary and encouraged; requirements can differ by jurisdiction and building type.
• “Only government buildings lower flags.” Many schools, nonprofits, and businesses participate voluntarily to show respect.
• “Half-staff is just for funerals.” Governments may order it for memorial days, national tragedies, or to honor service members and public safety officers.

Quick reference: what to do when an order is issued

• Confirm the official source (head of state/government, protocol office, or governor/premier).
• Note the start and end times (date, time of day, and any special instructions like “until interment” or “until noon”).
• Lower flags per etiquette and ensure proper lighting if overnight.
• Update calendars and schedules for ceremonies, closures, and transit impacts.
• Communicate changes via email, website banners, and on-premise signage.
• Prepare for moments of silence or tributes; brief staff and volunteers.
• Restore normal operations and flag position when the order ends.

Examples of national days of mourning

• State funerals: After the death of a head of state or former head of state, countries often hold a state funeral, declare a day of mourning, close public offices, and lower flags.
• National tragedies: Major disasters or attacks may prompt a 1–3 day mourning period, national addresses, and coordinated observances, sometimes including a minute of silence observed nationwide.
• Annual remembrance: Some nations hold yearly national days of mourning or remembrance for war dead or victims of past tragedies; flags may be half-staff for the day or during specified hours.

Why these protocols matter

Lowering flags and observing designated days provide a shared language of respect. They help communities process loss, ensure dignified honors for service and leadership, and synchronize rituals—from funeral processions to moments of silence—so citizens can participate meaningfully. Clear protocols and timely announcements also keep essential services coordinated and safe during processions and public gatherings.

FAQ

What’s the difference between half-staff and half-mast?

Both mean lowering a flag in mourning. “Half-staff” is standard on land in the United States; “half-mast” is the maritime term and widely used in other countries. The practice and symbolism are the same.

Who can order flags to half-staff?

Typically the head of state or government (e.g., President or Prime Minister) and, in federated systems, state or provincial leaders for their jurisdictions. Military commanders and diplomatic posts follow their respective protocol chains.

How long do flags stay at half-staff?

Durations depend on the honoree and the country. In the U.S., the Flag Code specifies 30 days for a President or former President, 10 days for certain senior officials, and other periods “until interment” or as set by proclamation. Recurring remembrance days also have defined durations.

Are private businesses required to lower their flags?

In many places, private compliance is customary but not mandated. However, some sectors or facilities under government contracts or leases may be expected to follow official guidance. Check local laws and lease terms.

What if my flag can’t be physically lowered?

Use a black mourning ribbon attached to the top of the staff or an approved mourning cravat. This is an accepted way to signify mourning when hardware or mounting prevents lowering.

How will I know about a national day of mourning?

Watch for official proclamations on government websites and social channels. You can also subscribe to email alerts or add official calendar feeds where available to receive automatic updates.

Do other flags lower with the national flag?

When flown together on separate poles, other flags are generally lowered proportionally, while maintaining the national flag’s precedence. If flags share a single halyard, follow national guidance on order and positioning while reflecting the half-staff status relative to the pole.