Introduction
Have you ever driven past a government building or a public park with flags that are lowered to half-staff, and wondered why they are flown in that way? Flying flags at half-staff is a time-honored tradition that has historical significance and symbolic meaning, and it’s a practice that continues to this day. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind flag lowering, when and why it is used, and the impact it has on society.
Historical Significance
The underlying reason behind flying flags at half-staff is to display national mourning. This tradition dates back to the 17th century, when ships lowered their flags to mark the death of important figures or leaders. The practice was adopted by other nations and has since become a symbol of respect and remembrance. In the US, the tradition of flying flags at half-staff began in 1865 after the death of President Abraham Lincoln. Today, it is a practice followed by governments all over the world.
Flying the flag at half-staff means lowering it to a point halfway between the top and bottom of the flagpole. The position expresses the sense of loss or mourning being felt by the nation or organization. In some cultures, lowering the flag is a sign of respect for the dead and, in other cultures, it is a symbol of submission or surrender.
National and International Events
Flags are flown at half-staff to honor public figures, political leaders, national tragedies, and fallen soldiers. For instance, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, flags were flown at half-staff for 30 days in mourning. Similarly, in 2001, after the terrorist attacks on September 11, flags were flown at half-staff for 30 days in honor of the thousands of lives lost.
Flags are also lowered to mark the passing of prominent leaders, like former First Lady Barbara Bush, who passed away in 2018. Additionally, on Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon, to honor the soldiers who have lost their lives in military service. Flags can also be lowered as a symbol of condolence to other nations.
Political Significance
The President of the United States has the power to order the flag to be lowered at half-staff for significant national events, and sometimes the order can be controversial. In 2018, for example, some governors kept flags lowered to honor the victims of a shooting at a high school in Florida, while others raised flags back up after just a day, causing public outcry.
The lowering of flags can be a symbolic communication tool for politicians, as well. For example, politicians may lower flags in response to public unrest, or to show solidarity with a particular political cause.
Commemorating Tragedies
It’s common to see flags at half-staff after a national tragedy. This tradition is rooted in the idea that the mourning process should be communal and shared. In 2018, for example, flags were flown at half-staff after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida which claimed the lives of 17 people. After the mass shooting in Las Vegas that same year, flags were kept lowered for three days to honor the victims. Lowering the flag can bring a sense of unity and purpose to the mourning process and can act as a visible reminder of what was lost.
Etiquette and Protocol
When flying the flag at half-staff, there are strict protocols to ensure that it’s done correctly. The flag must first be hoisted to the top of the pole for a moment to signify our country’s strength, before it’s lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should also be raised again to the top of the pole before being brought down for the day. If the flag is being flown at half-staff in honor of a particular individual or event, it should be flown for the day of the memorial or tribute, and then returned to full-staff the following day.
Symbolism and Meaning
The symbolism behind flying the flag at half-staff is significant. It shows that the nation is in mourning and seeks to honor the victims of a tragedy or prominent individuals who have passed. It is also a reminder to the public that the country is mourning and reminds us of our shared values and responsibilities as members of society. When we see flags at half-staff, it’s an opportunity to reflect and remember what has been lost. Additionally, flying flags at half-staff can help a nation begin to heal after a tragedy, by allowing people to come together and support each other as they grieve.
Conclusion
Flying flags at half-staff is a longstanding tradition that has significant meaning for our nation. Whether it is used to mark the passing of prominent individuals or to honor a national tragedy, the sight of flags at half-staff is a reminder that we are all in this together. We need to understand and respect the tradition, and we should take a moment when we see flags flying at half-staff to reflect on the significance and take a moment to process what has happened.
By sharing this knowledge and understanding with others, we can help others appreciate the significance of flags at half-staff to our nation and its continued legacy.