How long flag flown at half mast

General Colin Powell was a patriot of unmatched honor and dignity. He believed in the promise of America because he lived it. And he devoted much of his life to making that promise a reality for so many others. He embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong. In this case the top set would be left empty. When the American flag is flown at half-staff, state and other flags should be removed or flown at half-staff too.

Watch this brief video on How to Lower your Flag to Half-Staff: If Your Flag Can't Fly at Half-Staff For flags that can't be lowered, such as those on many homes, the American Legion says that attaching a black ribbon or streamer to the top of the flag is an acceptable alternative. The ribbon should be the same width as a stripe on the flag and the same length as the flag.

Order your mourning ribbon today. For a wall-mounted flag, three black mourning bows should be attached to the top edge of the flag, one at each corner and one in the center. Who can order a half-staffing?

Only the President and state governors can decide when and how long the American flag should be flown at half-staff. How long should the flag be at half-staff? Thirty days after the death of a President or former President Ten days after the death of a Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives Until the burial of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, secretary of a military department, a former Vice President, or the governor of a state, territory, or possession.

On the day of, and the day after, the death of a Member of Congress. On Memorial Day, the day set aside to honor all the people who have died while serving the United States. Originally called Decoration Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full staff until sundown. What about half-staff to honor other citizens? Only the president of the United States or the governor of the state may order the flag to be at half-staff to honor the death of a national or state figure.

In addition to the traditional half-staff salutes, the United States Flag Code mentions the use of our flag for honoring leading citizens such as Martin Luther King, Jr. There are occasions when the flag will be lowered for significant figures whom are not U. The Flag Code does not exclude any citizen, whether belonging to an organization or not, whether they are recognized very locally or regionally.

Examples of deceased citizens who might be honored with by lowering the flag to half-staff include local religious leaders, youth leaders, honored teachers or sports coaches, local politicians, or a local hero. There need be no authorization from the government for the private sector non-government to use the Flag to honor any citizen. It is important to note that the Flag Code is a code, it is intended to provide guidance and is not obligatory. It carries no civil or criminal penalties for "misuse" of the Flag.

Individuals are not acting illegally when using the flag according to their own rules. The Flag Code is only required to be followed on public or government buildings.

Flag Code Modifications for Half-Staff at a Federal Facility Federal facilities must follow the state's lead for half-staff proclamations. How should the American flag be displayed from a staff when on a platform or on the floor in a church or auditorium? What is the meaning of the gold fringe on some flags?

What should you do with a worn or torn U. If two flags are staffed before the entrance of a building, where should the American flag be? On the left side as observed from the street.