Honoring Loss: When The Flag Flies At Half-Mast

Flying a flag at half-mast, or half-staff in American English, is a tradition that began in the 17th century. It is a symbol of respect, mourning, distress, or a salute. The flag is raised to the top of the mast and then lowered by approximately one-third of the length of the flagpole. The tradition is observed in many countries, including Australia, Denmark, Finland, and the United States, each with its own specific protocols and occasions for flying the flag at half-mast. For example, in the United States, the flag is flown at half-staff on Memorial Day until noon and on National Firefighters Memorial Day, while in Australia, it is flown at half-mast on ANZAC Day until noon.

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The flag is flown at half-mast as a symbol of mourning

The act of flying a flag at half-mast is a symbol of mourning, distress, or respect. The tradition dates back to the 17th century, with some sources citing that it leaves room for an "invisible flag of death" above. The flag is not lowered all the way down the flagpole, but rather to approximately one-third of its length. This is done by first briefly raising the flag to the top of the mast, then lowering it to the half-mast position, and finally, raising it to the peak once more before lowering it for the day.

In the United States, there are five designated days of national observance when the flag is flown at half-staff: Patriot Day, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day, Memorial Day (until noon), and ANZAC Day (until noon). Additionally, the U.S. Flag Code allows governors to lower the flag in the event of the death of a government official, a member of the Armed Forces, or a first responder such as a law enforcement official or firefighter.

In Australia, the flag is flown at half-mast on the death of the sovereign, from the announcement of death until the funeral, and on the day of accession for the new sovereign until 11 a.m. It is also flown at half-mast on ANZAC Day until noon and Remembrance Day from 10:30 a.m. to 11:03 a.m. The flag may be flown at half-mast in any locality on the day of the death or funeral of a distinguished or notable local citizen.

In Denmark, the national flag, the Dannebrog, is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning for the current or former monarch or any member of the royal family. This tradition was established in 1743 by Christian VI, who ordered that the naval ceremonial regulations replace black flags with white crosses used for mourning with the flag at half-mast.

In some cases, if a flag cannot be displayed at half-mast due to its design or position, alternative methods are used. For example, vertical banner flags may bear black crepe streamers, and in the case of the flag of unity in Germany, it is only lowered on rare occasions of extreme national mourning.

In the US, the flag is lowered to half-staff on National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day

Flying a flag at half-mast, or half-staff in American English, is a symbol of respect, mourning, distress, or a salute. The tradition of flying a flag at half-mast began in the 17th century and is often associated with making room for an "invisible flag of death". The practice varies depending on the country and the type of flagpole. For example, on wall-mounted and roof-top flagpoles, the middle of the flag should be at the middle of the flagpole. In Denmark, the flag is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning for the death of a current or former monarch or a member of the royal family. In Australia, the flag is flown at half-mast on ANZAC Day until noon and on Remembrance Day from 10:30 am to 11:03 am.

In the United States, the flag is lowered to half-staff on National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day to honour and remember firefighters who have died in the line of duty. This tradition was established by Public Law 107-51, which requires that the American flag be lowered to half-staff annually on this day. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is held to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who have lost their lives while serving their communities. The specific timing of the half-staff flag protocol varies, with some sources indicating sunrise to sunset, while others mention specific dates.

The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honour fallen firefighters and support their families and coworkers. This non-profit organisation has developed programs to commemorate those who have perished in the line of duty and assist their loved ones and colleagues. The tradition of lowering the flag to half-staff on National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the gratitude and respect the nation holds for the selfless service and sacrifices made by firefighters across the country.

The act of lowering the flag to half-staff is a powerful symbol of mourning and respect, honouring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It serves as a visual reminder of the nation's gratitude and a way to unite communities in remembrance. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day is a solemn occasion to reflect on the dedication and heroism of firefighters who have laid down their lives in service to others. The tradition of lowering the flag is just one aspect of the country's tribute to these brave men and women.

In Australia, the flag is flown at half-mast on ANZAC Day until noon

ANZAC Day is a day of reflection, gratitude, and commemoration in Australia. It is a time to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought and died for the country and to honour their memory. The Australian National Flag (ANF) is flown at half-mast from dawn until noon in each locality, after which it is raised to the peak of the flagpole for the rest of the day.

The flag is lowered to a position recognisably half-mast, which is usually when the top of the flag is about a third of the way down from the top of the flagpole. It is important to note that the flag should never be flown at half-mast at night, even if illuminated. When the flag is lowered from a half-mast position, it should be briefly raised to the peak and then lowered ceremoniously.

The ANF is flown at half-mast on ANZAC Day to honour those who fought and died for Australia. This is a specific and important tradition, along with the Dawn Service, which includes the playing of the Last Post, a minute of silence, and the laying of wreaths. The Anzac Day March is another tradition where veterans and their families walk to pay their respects.

In addition to ANZAC Day, there are other occasions when the Australian flag is flown at half-mast. This includes the death of a distinguished Australian or local citizen, the death of the sovereign, and the day of accession for a new sovereign. The flag may also be flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral of a foreign head of state with whom Australia has diplomatic relations.

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The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously

The act of flying a flag at half-mast is steeped in tradition and is often seen as a symbol of respect, mourning, distress, or salute. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. This is done to honour and respect the memory of the person or people that the mourning is being observed for.

When flown at half-mast, a flag is first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then ceremoniously lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be briskly raised to the peak once more before it is lowered for the day. This tradition dates back to the 17th century, with some sources stating that the flag is lowered to make room for an "invisible flag of death" flying above.

In the United States, there are specific days on which the flag is flown at half-staff, including Memorial Day until noon, National Pearl Harbour Remembrance Day, and National Firefighters Memorial Day. Additionally, the President may order the flag to be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the government or state governors.

In Australia, the flag is flown at half-mast on ANZAC Day until noon and on Remembrance Day from 10:30 am to 11:03 am. The flag may also be flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral of a distinguished Australian citizen or notable local citizen.

In Denmark, the national flag, the Dannebrog, is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning for the death of a current or former monarch or any member of the royal family. This tradition was established by Christian VI in 1743, who ordered that the flag be used for mourning instead of black flags with white crosses.

The Danish flag is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning for the death of royalty

Flying a flag at half-mast is a tradition that began in the 17th century and is now observed in many countries as a symbol of respect, mourning, distress, or salute. The practice of lowering the flag to half-mast leaves room for an "invisible flag of death" to fly above. This tradition is also observed in Denmark, where the Danish flag (Dannebrog) is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning for the death of royalty.

The tradition of flying the Danish flag at half-mast to signify mourning dates back to 1743 when Christian VI ordered that instead of using black flags with white crosses for mourning, they should use the flag at half-mast. This regulation applied to the navy and was also extended to Norway, as the two kingdoms were united at the time. The Danish flag is flown at half-mast not only for the death of a current or former monarch but also for the death of any member of the Danish royal family.

The act of flying the flag at half-mast is carried out by briefly raising the flag to the top of the mast and then lowering it approximately one-third of the length of the flagpole. On wall-mounted and rooftop flagpoles, the middle of the flag should align with the middle of the flagpole. When removing the flag from its half-mast position, it is customary to briefly hoist it to the finial before lowering it.

It is worth noting that, unlike in some other monarchies, the Sovereign in Denmark has the authority to order the Danish Royal Standard to be flown at half-mast. This is a unique aspect of Danish protocol, as typically the Royal Standard represents the sovereign, who ascends to the throne immediately upon the death of their predecessor, and therefore it is not flown at half-mast.

In summary, the Danish flag is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning for the death of royalty, following a long-standing tradition that began in the 17th century and is observed by many nations as a symbol of respect and sorrow.

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