The President may order the flag to be flown at half-mast, or half-staff, to mark the death of other officials, former officials, or foreign dignitaries. In addition to these occasions, the president may also order half-staff display of the flag after other tragic events. When a half-staff order is issued, it will state when and how long the American flag or any state flag should be flown at half-staff. In any event, the flag should be briskly run up to the top of the staff before being lowered slowly to the half-mast position.

During half-staff flag flying days, all flags should be lowered as stated. For flagpoles with multiple flags, remove any additional flags below the American flag that are suspended at or below the cleat on your flagpole for the duration of the half-staff order. This will eliminate the chance that one of your flags will be dishonored by touching the ground.

The flag is to be flown at half-staff at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels in the Washington, D.C. area on the day and day after the death of a United States senator, representative, territorial delegate, or the resident commissioner from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It should also be flown at half-staff on all federal facilities in the state, congressional district, territory, or commonwealth of these officials.

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