Stay informed with real-time half-staff alerts and the official flag half-staff schedule for 2025. Get half-staff notifications so you never miss a notification of flags at half-mast in your state or nationwide.
Contents
- 1 Stay Updated with 2025 Half-Staff Alerts
- 2 Real-Time Half-Staff Notifications: Why Are Flags at Half-Staff Today?
- 3 2025 Flag Half-Staff Schedule
- 4 How to Receive Half-Staff Notifications
- 5 What to Do When You Receive a Half-Staff Alert
- 6 The Meaning of Flying a Flag at Half-Staff
- 7 Expressing Patriotism Beyond the Stars and Stripes
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 9 Final Thoughts
Stay Updated with 2025 Half-Staff Alerts
If you’re wondering, “Why is the flag at half-staff today?” our half-staff alert system keeps you informed in real-time. The U.S. Flag Code outlines specific flag half-staff schedules, but unexpected orders—such as those honoring fallen public figures or responding to national tragedies—can happen at any time.
Unlike our detailed Why Are Flags at Half-Staff? post, which explains the history, meaning, and etiquette of half-staff flags, this blog focuses on real-time flag status updates and upcoming flag-lowering schedules.
🔹 Sign up for our free half-staff notifications and never miss a flag-lowering event.
Real-Time Half-Staff Notifications: Why Are Flags at Half-Staff Today?
Flags across the U.S. are ordered to half-staff by the President, state governors, or Congress for various reasons. Here’s the latest half-staff alert:
📅 December 29, 2024 – January 29, 2025
🔹 Occasion: Honoring former President Jimmy Carter (ordered by President Joe Biden).
🔹 Flags Lowered Nationwide – Flags will return to full-staff on January 29, 2025 after the 30-day mourning period.
💡 Need to check today’s status? Visit our live half-staff updates page for daily alerts.
2025 Flag Half-Staff Schedule
Certain national observances require the American flag to be lowered each year. Below is the official 2025 flag half-staff schedule:
Here are the key of 2025 Flag Half-Staff dates to remember the American Flag Half-Staff:
- Peace Officers Memorial Day: May 15th (unless coinciding with Armed Forces Day), from sunrise to sunset.
- Memorial Day: May 26th (last Monday in May), from sunrise to noon.
- Patriot Day: September 11th, from sunrise to sunset.
- National Firefighters Memorial Day: May 4th (aligned with Memorial Weekend).
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: December 7th, from sunrise to sunset.
Additionally, in 2025, the flag will be flown at half-staff during the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20th. It will also fly at half-staff to honor the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, a leader who left an indelible mark on the nation.
How to Receive Half-Staff Notifications
Keeping track of flag-lowering orders can be difficult. That’s why we provide half-staff notifications so you can stay updated without constantly checking news sources.
📬 Sign up for half-staff alerts and get:
✅ Instant notifications for presidential and state orders.
✅ A complete half-staff calendar for 2025.
✅ State-specific half-staff notifications directly to your inbox.
🔹 Subscribe to half-staff alerts here and always stay informed!
What to Do When You Receive a Half-Staff Alert
When you receive a half-staff alert, it’s important to follow the proper flag-lowering protocol:
✔ Raise the flag to full-staff briskly, then lower it to half-staff.
✔ Keep it at half-staff until sunset, unless otherwise directed.
✔ On Memorial Day, return the flag to full-staff at noon after the morning tribute.
✔ When returning to full-staff, raise the flag fully before lowering it at the end of the day.
💡 Need more details? Read our flag etiquette guide to ensure you’re following U.S. Flag Code regulations.
The Meaning of Flying a Flag at Half-Staff
The practice of flying the American flag at half mast or half staff, has its origins in the 17th century. It is a symbol of solemn respect, mourning, and reverence.
When raising the 2025 Flag Half-Staff:
- The flag is first raised briskly to the top of the pole.
- It is then lowered ceremoniously, leaving a symbolic gap above the flag.
This practice, steeped in tradition, reflects the nation’s collective grief while honoring the sacrifices of those who have passed.
Read how to do:
American Flag Etiquette: How To Hang Flag Half Staff On House Properly
Expressing Patriotism Beyond the Stars and Stripes
While the American flag is a powerful symbol of national pride, Flagwix offers a collection of patriotic-themed flags to complement your display of loyalty and respect.
Our designs span a variety of themes, including:
- Christian Flags that celebrate faith and freedom.
- Veteran Tribute Flags honoring those who have served.
- Memorial Day Flags to commemorate the fallen.
Each Flagwix design draws inspiration from America’s cultural and historical values, ensuring every flag is as unique as the patriot who flies it.
With vivid colors and meaningful designs, Flagwix flags capture the essence of what it means to be an American, making them a perfect addition to any memorial or patriotic occasion.
Celebrate Faith with Unique Designs. Discover how a custom Christian flag can transform your space into a celebration of faith and creativity.
Jesus 2025 Our Only Hope Flag
One Nation Under God Flag – Jesus Flag Gift for Faith-Based Patriotic Decor
Christian Cross Flag
As Americans, how do we elevate our American pride, articulate it, and make a statement?
Patriotic Eagle We The People Non-Pleated Fan Flag
God Bless America Patriotic Eagle Flag
An Appeal To Heaven We The People Pine Tree American Flag
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get notified when flags are at half-staff?
You can sign up for half-staff notifications and receive instant updates via email or text. Our alerts cover national and state proclamations so you always know when flags should be lowered.
What is a half-staff alert?
A half-staff alert is a notification issued when the U.S. or state flags are ordered to half-staff due to national mourning, a tragedy, or a significant observance. Orders come from the President, state governors, or Congress.
Do half-staff orders vary by state?
Yes! While the President issues national half-staff orders, state governors can also order flags to be lowered in their respective states for local tragedies, fallen officers, or public figures.
Can I lower my flag to half-staff at home?
Yes, private citizens may lower their flags when an official half-staff order is in effect. If you have a flagpole at home, you can follow national and state half-staff schedules to properly honor the occasion.
Final Thoughts
Knowing when and why flags are lowered is essential to honoring national heroes and significant events. Our half-staff alert system provides real-time flag updates, scheduled notifications, and emergency flag-lowering alerts so you’re never out of the loop.
📌 For more details, visit:
✅ Why are flags at half staff today?
✅ US Flag Code
Would you like text notifications for flag status updates? Let us know in the comments! 🚀
I am a writer with a passion for flag history, symbolism, and design. I love exploring the deeper meanings behind flags and how they connect people, traditions, and personal expression.