Wondering why are flags at half-staff today? This guide explains the history, meaning, and official half-staff flag rules while providing a complete 2025 flag-lowering schedule so you never miss an important observance.
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Why Are Flags at Half-Staff?
The American flag is lowered to half-staff as a sign of mourning, respect, and remembrance. This tradition honors those who have made great sacrifices, such as fallen soldiers, first responders, and national leaders, or recognizes tragic national events.
Many people notice the flag at half-staff, but not everyone understands who orders it and why. In the U.S., the authority to lower the flag rests with:
✅ The President of the United States – Issues nationwide proclamations for national mourning.
✅ State Governors – Declare half-staff observances for state officials, police officers, or first responders.
✅ Congressional Orders – Occasionally, Congress may issue special flag directives for historical or national events.
🔹 Latest Half-Staff Order:
📅 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 a 30-day mourning period.
🚨 Looking for today’s flag status? Check our 2025 Flag Half-Staff Updates for real-time flag-lowering alerts.
Why Are Flags at Half-Staff on Inauguration Day?
Inauguration Day, held every four years on January 20, marks the beginning of a new presidential term. Traditionally, flags are flown at full-staff on this day, symbolizing national unity and renewal.
However, Inauguration Day 2025 will be different. Due to the nationwide mourning period for President Jimmy Carter, flags will remain at half-staff until January 29, 2025. This means that on January 20, 2025, some locations may display both full-staff and half-staff flags—one honoring the new presidency, the other remembering the late former president.
2025 Half Staff Flag Schedule
Every year, certain national observances require the American flag to be lowered. Below is the official 2025 half-staff schedule:
📌 Looking for real-time half-staff updates? Check our 2025 Flag Half-Staff Status for daily flag orders and breaking news.
When & Why Are Flags At Half Staff?
Flying the flag at half-mast follows some rules and guidelines provided by the U.S. Flag Code. In terms of when to perform it, there are specific mourning days as shown on the calendar above and particular orders promulgated by the President or State Governor.
1. Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15)
The day is observed in the middle of May, during Police Week, to honor and remember federal, state, and local peace officers. In the line of duty, these individuals have made sacrifices or have been disabled. That’s when the flag is lowered to half-staff for the entire day, from sunrise to sunset.
2. Memorial Day (May 30)
Memorial Day happens on the last Monday of May when you lower the flag to half staff until 12 o’clock. Then it must be raised at full staff for the duration of the day.
This day is commemorated to honor all fallen service members in the United States military.
As regards this day, Flagwix offers various options of Memorial Day flags you can choose from. Whether you plan to honor deceased veterans, firefighters, or a person who served in the U.S. military — there must be at least one option you’ll love from the collection.
3. Patriot Day (September 11)
Patriot Day is observed to remember the most tragic terrorist event at the World Trade Center in NYC on Sep 11, 2001. The event took away lots of lives from the civilians and the heroes who fought against it to save others. So on that same day every year, the American flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset.
With this in mind, the 9/11 Never Forget flags were created by Flagwix to remember the victims and soldiers who died from that event.
4. National Firefighters Memorial Day (October 9)
This day occurs on the first Sunday of October to honor all firefighters who died in the line of duty. The day is actually the start of Fire Prevention Week as well. It is considered that folks can fly their U.S. flags at half staff on an entire day and during the week following it.
Flagwix offers a category of Firefighter flags to choose from if you love one flying beneath the beautiful Old Glory.
5. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7)
This day is commemorated every year on December 7 in the U.S. to remember the 2,403 American people killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941. The day also marked the start of an American war against Japan and World War II.
For such a significant impact that changed everything, the United States flags must be lowered to half staff from sunrise to sunset to remember the unforgettable event.
6. Other reasons
In addition to all the days above, American folks also make flags half staff upon the death of the President, a Vice President, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Speaker of the House.
Also, the President can declare an order of flying flags at half staff for a proclamation, a national tragedy, or the death of someone significant to the country.
Besides the President, Governors are also empowered to authorize the flying of flags at half-mast in their States. It is for the death of a government official or a military person on active duty.
Are Flags Allowed To Fly At Half Staff All Year Round?
It is a beautiful intention to honor our fallen service members all year round — so YES — you can absolutely fly your flag at half-staff continuously from Jan to Dec.
Also, there is no rule shown in the U.S. Flag Code that the American flag is not allowed to fly at half-staff during a full year.
However, be aware that our nation has other important days when folks fly flags at full staff to celebrate as well. They include the Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. (the third Monday in January), Independence Day (4th of July), Labor Day (the first Monday of September), etc.
These days are Celebration Days, which means they are not for mourning or commemorations. Nevertheless, while you celebrate them, you also recognize the sacrifice of those who laid their lives down for the country. Their death is not for nothing.
How To Fly The Flag At Half Staff Properly
If you’re displaying a flag at half-staff, follow proper flag etiquette:
✅ Raise it briskly to full-staff first, then lower it slowly to half-staff.
✅ Keep it at half-staff until sunset (unless otherwise directed).
✅ On Memorial Day, raise it to full-staff at noon after the morning period of mourning.
✅ When returning to full-staff, raise the flag fully before lowering it completely at the end of the day.
🔹 Local Police Departments & State Orders: In addition to national observances, police departments and state agencies may issue temporary half-staff orders for fallen officers or emergency responders. Always check state websites or local news for location-specific flag orders.
If there is any other 3×5 flag flying together with the American flag, make sure you display them under the American flag. According to the U.S. Flag Code, no other flag (nor state flags or military flags) should be placed above the Old Glory or on its own right side facing the audience.
When Should Flags Be Flown at Full-Staff?
Though flags are sometimes ordered to half-staff, there are many patriotic holidays when they must be flown at full-staff to represent national pride and celebration.
📅 Inauguration Day (January 20, 2025) – Celebrates the peaceful transition of power.
📅 Independence Day (July 4, 2025) – Honors America’s freedom.
📅 Veterans Day (November 11, 2025) – Recognizes all military veterans.
🛑 Confused about today’s flag status? Visit our Flag Half-Staff Schedule & Updates for real-time flag-lowering alerts.
Read how to do:
American Flag Etiquette: How To Hang Flag Half Staff On House Properly
Why Are Flags at Half-Staff Today? (Live Updates)
If you’re searching “why are flags at half-staff today?”, here’s how to get real-time updates:
📌 Official Government Proclamations:
- The White House – www.whitehouse.gov
- US Flag Code Guide – www.usa.gov/flag
- State Governor’s Websites – For regional half-staff orders.
🔹 Breaking News: Flags Ordered Half-Staff Nationwide for Former President Jimmy Carter (December 29, 2024 – January 29, 2025).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the American flag at half-staff?
The American flag is lowered to half-staff as a sign of mourning and respect for national tragedies, fallen heroes, and prominent leaders. Orders to lower the flag come from the President, state governors, or Congress. The most recent example is the 30-day mourning period for President Jimmy Carter, where flags remain at half-staff from December 29, 2024, to January 29, 2025.
What does it mean when the flag is 3/4?
The U.S. Flag Code does not recognize a 3/4 position. If a flag appears at this height, it is likely an error or an unofficial practice. The official mourning position is half-staff, which means the flag is lowered exactly halfway between the top and bottom of the flagpole.
What is the only flag that can be flown above the U.S. flag?
The United Nations headquarters in New York is the only location where another flag—the UN flag—is permitted to be flown above the U.S. flag. However, within the United States, no state, military, or organizational flag may be displayed higher than the American flag.
Is it illegal to fly a flag at night without a light?
According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset unless it is properly illuminated at night. Flying the flag at night without a light is not illegal, but it violates official flag etiquette. If you choose to display your flag 24/7, make sure it is lit with a dedicated spotlight.
If you’ve ever asked “why are flags at half-staff today?”, now you know the answer. The tradition is a powerful sign of mourning, respect, and remembrance, with official orders issued by the President, state governors, or other authorities.
📌 For more details on upcoming half-staff days, visit:
✅ 2025 Half-Staff Flag Schedule
✅ Flag Etiquette: How to Display the Christian Flag and American Flag
✅ American Flag Etiquette: How To Display The American Flag With Other Flags
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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.