Examine individual changes

'[[File:Flaggen halbmast Wien.jpg|thumb|The [[flag of Austria|Austrian flag]] flying at half-mast before the [[Austrian Parliament Building]], due to the death of President [[Thomas Klestil]], on July 7, 2004]] [[File:Chapecoense - Bandeiras a meio mastro.jpg|thumb|The [[Flag of Brazil|Brazilian flag]], besides the [[Mercosul]] flag, flying at half-mast in front of the [[National Congress of Brazil]] in memory of the victims of the [[Chapecoense crash]] in November 29, 2016.]] [[File:Buchenwald American Flag 23060.jpg|thumb|The American flag flying at half-mast in [[Buchenwald concentration camp|Buchenwald]], [[Thuringia]], Germany, on 19 April 1945.]] '''Half-mast''' or '''half-staff''' refers to a flag flying below the summit on a pole. In many countries this is seen as a symbol of [[respect]], [[mourning]], [[distress signal|distress]], or in some cases, a [[salute]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/xf-half.html|title=Flags at half mast|publisher=}}</ref> Strictly speaking, flags are said to be half-mast if flown from ships, and half-staff if on land, although not all regional variations of English use "half-staff".<ref>[https://www.collinsflags.com/blog/flag-etiquette/half-staff-versus-half-mast-which-is-correct Half-Staff versus Half-Mast: Which is correct?] Collins Flags; accessed 2016.12.20.</ref> The tradition of flying the flag at half-mast began in the 17th century.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Trex |first1=Ethan |title=Why are flags flown at half-staff in times of mourning? |url=https://news.yahoo.com/why-flags-flown-half-staff-times-mourning-084500721.html |accessdate=22 June 2015 |work=[[The Week]] |date=20 December 2012}}</ref> According to some sources, the flag is lowered to make room for an "invisible flag of death" flying above.<ref>Bartram, G., [http://www.naco.uk.com/docs/presentations/flagprotocol.pdf A Guide to Flag Protocol in the United Kingdom], an extract from the book ''British Flags and Emblems", The Flag Institute.</ref> When hoisting a flag that is to be displayed at half-mast, it should be hoisted to the [[finial]] for an instant, then lowered to half-mast. Likewise, when the flag is lowered at the end of the day, it is to be hoisted to the finial for an instant, and then lowered.{{citation needed|date=March 2016}} ==Australia== [[File:AU NavalEnsignHalfMast.JPG|thumb|The [[Australian White Ensign]] flying at half mast. In accordance with British tradition, the flag is flying one flag's width below the top of the mast.]] The [[flag of Australia]] is flown half-mast in Australia: *On the death of the [[Queen of Australia|Sovereign]] – from the time of announcement of the death up to and including the funeral. On the day the accession of the new Sovereign is proclaimed, it is customary to raise the flag to the peak from 11 a.m.; *On the death of a member of a royal family; *On the death of the [[Governor-General of Australia|Governor-General]] or a former Governor-General; *On the death of the head of state of another country with which Australia has diplomatic relations – the flag would be flown on the day of the funeral; *On [[ANZAC day]] the flag is flown half-mast until noon; *On [[Remembrance Day]] flags are flown at peak till 10:30 am, at half-mast from 10:30am to 11:03am, then at peak the remainder of the day; *On the death of a distinguished Australian citizen. Flags in any locality may be flown at half-mast on the death of a notable local citizen or on the day, or part of the day, of their funeral. Recent examples include the death of naturalist [[Steve Irwin]], actor [[Heath Ledger]], esteemed international opera singer [[Dame Joan Sutherland]], and former Prime Minister [[Gough Whitlam]]. In the case of cricketer [[Phillip Hughes]], who died after being struck by a [[bouncer (cricket)|bouncer]] during a [[Sheffield Shield]] [[cricket]] match, the Australian flag was flown at half-mast at [[Cricket NSW]] headquarters on 27 November 2014 – the day of his death,<ref name=FitzSimons>{{cite news |last1=FitzSimons |first1=Peter |title=There is a way Phillip Hughes' proud legacy can live on |url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/there-is-a-way-phillip-hughes-proud-legacy-can-live-on-20141127-11vkrm.html |accessdate=28 November 2014}}</ref> as well as on the [[Sydney Harbour Bridge]]<ref name=Knox>{{cite news |last1=Knox |first1=Malcolm |title=Phillip Hughes a cut above the rest |url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/phillip-hughes-a-cut-above-the-rest-20141128-11w397.html |accessdate=28 November 2014 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=28 November 2014}}</ref> and at [[Lord's Cricket Ground]] in London.<ref name="Lord's">{{cite news |title=Phillip Hughes: Tributes flow from international community as flags fly at half-mast at Lord's |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-28/phillip-hughes-tributes-flow-from-international-community/5924122 |accessdate=1 December 2014 |issue=ABC News |date=28 November 2014}}</ref> *At times of natural disaster such as [[bushfires in Australia|bushfires]] or tragedy. For example, in the days immediately following the [[Black Saturday bushfires]], many flags of all types were flown at half-mast in spontaneous acknowledgement of the enormous loss of life; the then [[Prime Minister of Australia|Prime Minister]] announced that the Australian Flag would be flown at half-mast on 7 February, in remembrance of the victims. On 19 July 2014, the Australian flag flew half-mast across the country in tribute to the lives lost in the [[Malaysia Airlines Flight 17]] incident.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/19/mh17-australian-flags-flown-half-mast |title= MH17: Australian flags to be flown at half-mast as nation mourns victims |date= 19 July 2014 |accessdate= |website= |publisher= |last= |first=}}</ref> On 16 December 2014, flags on all NSW government buildings, including the [[Sydney Harbour Bridge]], flew at half-mast after the [[2014 Sydney hostage crisis]].<ref name=Hasham>{{cite news |last1=Hasham |first1=Nicole |title=Sydney siege ends: flags to fly at half mast and floral tributes at Martin Place |url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-ends-flags-to-fly-at-half-mast-and-floral-tributes-at-martin-place-20141215-127yy4.html |accessdate=17 December 2014 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=16 December 2014}}</ref><ref name=Remekis>{{cite news |last1=Remeikis |first1=Amy |title=Flags fly at half mast in Queensland to honour Sydney siege victims |url=http://www.smh.com.au/queensland/flags-fly-at-half-mast-in-queensland-to-honour-sydney-siege-victims-20141215-128024.html |accessdate=17 December 2014 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=16 December 2014}}</ref> ==Cambodia== The [[flag of Cambodia]] flew at half mast upon the death of King-Father [[Norodom Sihanouk]] for 7 days, from 15–22 October 2012. ==Canada==<!-- This section links from [[flag of Canada]] --> The term half-mast is the official term used in Canada, according to the Rules For Half-Masting the National Flag of Canada. The decision to fly the flag at half-mast on federal buildings rests with the [[Department of Canadian Heritage]]. Federally, the [[flag of Canada|national flag of Canada]] is flown at half-mast to mark the following occasions: {| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; width:100%" |- bgcolor="#efefef" ! width= width="25%" align="left"|Occasion or date !! width="75%" align="left"|Protocol or significance |- | The death of [[Monarchy of Canada|the sovereign]] | From the time of notification of death until sunset on the day of the funeral or memorial service, but the flag is flown at full-mast on the day on which the accession of the new monarch is proclaimed |- | The death of a [[Governor General of Canada|Governor General]] or [[Prime Minister of Canada|Prime Minister]] who dies while in office | From the time of notification of death until sunset on the day of the funeral or memorial service |- | The death of any member of the [[Monarchy of Canada#Canadian Royal Family|Royal Family]], a former Governor General, the sitting [[Chief Justice of Canada|Chief Justice]] of the [[Supreme Court of Canada|Supreme Court]], sitting [[Minister of the Crown|Ministers of the Crown]], or a former Prime Minister | From the time of notification of death until sunset on the day of the funeral or, if there is to be a memorial service, from the time of notification of death until sunset the following day and from sunrise to sunset on the day of the service |- | The death of a [[police officer]] in the line of duty. | The flag could be flown at half-mast from a couple of days to weeks, depending on the ranking of the officer. |- | April 28 of each year | Marking the Day of Mourning for People Killed or Injured in the Workplace (coinciding with World Day for Safety and Health at Work) |- | June 23 of each year | Marking the [[National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism]] |- | Last Sunday in September of each year | Marking Police Officer's National Memorial Day |- | November 11 of each year | Marking [[Remembrance Day]] |- | December 6 of each year | Marking the [[National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women]] |} Certain events are also marked by flying the national flag at half-mast on the [[Peace Tower]] at [[Parliament Hill]]. These include: {| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; width:100%" |- bgcolor="#efefef" ! width= width="25%" align="left"|Date !! width="75%" align="left"|Significance |- | April 9 of each year | Marking [[Vimy Ridge Day]] |- | Varies | The annual memorial service on Parliament Hill to remember deceased parliamentarians |} [[File:Half Masted Bagotville.jpg|thumb|left|The [[flag of Canada]], the [[flag of Québec]], and the flag of the [[Royal Canadian Sea Cadets]] are half masted on board Bagotville Cadet Summer Training Centre, following the [[Lac-Mégantic derailment|train detrailment and explosion of Lac Mégantic, Québec]].]]On occasion discretion can dictate the flying of the national flag at half-mast, not only on the Peace Tower, but on all federal facilities. Some examples include [[September 11 attacks|September 11, 2001]], [[Memorials and services for the September 11 attacks|September 11, 2002]], the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake|2004 Indian Ocean tsunami]], the 2005 [[Mayerthorpe Incident]], the [[funeral of Pope John Paul II|death of Pope John Paul II]], the [[7 July 2005 London bombings|2005 London bombings]], the death of [[Ernest Smith|Smokey Smith]], the [[state funeral]]s of former [[President of the United States|U.S. presidents]] [[death and state funeral of Ronald Reagan|Ronald Reagan]] and [[death and state funeral of Gerald Ford|Gerald Ford]], and the death of [[Jack Layton]]<ref name="half mast">{{Cite web |accessdate=2008-03-31 |url=http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/sc-cs/occasion_e.cfm |title=Rules for Half-masting the National Flag of Canada |publisher=[[Department of Canadian Heritage]]}}</ref> There are, however, exceptions to the rules of half-masting in Canada: if [[Victoria Day]] or [[Canada Day]] fall during a period of half-masting, the flags are to be returned to full-mast for the duration of the day. The national flag on the Peace Tower is also hoisted to full mast if a foreign [[head of state]] or [[head of government]] is visiting the parliament. These exemptions, though, do not apply to the period of mourning for the death of a [[Monarchy of Canada|Canadian monarch]]. The [[Queen's Personal Canadian Flag|Royal Standard of Canada]] also never flies at half-mast, as it is considered representative of the sovereign, who ascends to the throne automatically upon the death of his or her predecessor. Each province can make its own determination of when to fly the flag at half-mast when provincial leaders or honoured citizens pass away. To raise a flag in this position, the flag must be flown to the top of the pole first, then brought down halfway before the flag is secured for flying. When such mourning occurs, all flags should be flown at that position or not be flown at all, with the exception of flags permanently attached to poles.<ref>{{Cite news |accessdate=2008-03-31 |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9405E4D71039E733A25750C2A9679C946097D6CF |title=Flags at Half Mast Everywhere and Amusement Places Closed. |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=1901-01-23}}</ref> A controversy surfaced in April, 2006, when the newly elected [[Conservative Party of Canada|Conservative]] government discontinued the practice, initiated by the previous [[Liberal Party of Canada|Liberal]] government following the [[Tarnak Farm incident]],<ref name="tarnak">{{Cite news |accessdate=2008-03-31 |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/yourspace/flag_halfmast.html |title=Conservatives decide not to lower the Canadian flag to fly the flag at half-mast every time a Canadian soldier is killed |publisher=[[CBC.ca|CBC]] |date=2006-04-01 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120115035/http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/yourspace/flag_halfmast.html |archivedate=2011-01-20}}</ref> of flying the flag at half-mast on all government buildings whenever a Canadian soldier was killed in action in [[Canada's role in the invasion of Afghanistan|Afghanistan]].<ref>{{Cite news |accessdate=2008-03-25 |url=http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/04/24/flag060424.html |title=Peace Tower flag will not be lowered for military deaths |publisher=[[CBC.ca|CBC]] |date=2006-04-24 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606225332/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/04/24/flag060424.html |archivedate=2008-06-06}}</ref> The issue divided veterans' groups and military families, some of whom supported the return to the original tradition of using Remembrance Day to honour all soldiers killed in action, while others felt it was an appropriate way to honour the fallen and to remind the population of the costs of war.<ref name="tarnak" /> In spite of the federal government's policy, local authorities have often decided to fly the flag at half-mast to honour fallen soldiers who were from their jurisdiction, including [[Toronto]] and [[Saskatchewan]].<ref>{{Cite news |accessdate=2008-03-25 |url=http://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/story/2006/08/08/flags-sask.html |title=Sask. flags at half-mast for fallen soldier |publisher=[[CBC.ca|CBC]] |date=2006-08-09 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508121537/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/story/2006/08/08/flags-sask.html |archivedate=2009-05-08}}</ref> On April 2, 2008, the [[Canadian House of Commons|House of Commons]] voted in favour of a motion calling on the government to reinstate the former policy regarding the half-masting of the flag on federal buildings. The motion, however, was not binding and the [[Cabinet of Canada|Cabinet]] refused to recommend any revision in policy to the Governor General. At the same time, a federal advisory committee tabled its report on the protocol of flying the national flag at half-mast, recommending that the Peace Tower flag remain at full height on days such as the Police Officers National Memorial Day and the National Day or Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, stating that the flag should only be half-masted on Remembrance Day. At last report, the committee's findings had been forwarded to the House of Commons all-party heritage committee for further study.<ref>{{Cite web |accessdate=2008-04-13 |url=http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html?id=c5b3fc64-8830-4269-92e6-e23c5473400d&k=66747 |title=Conservatives lose flag vote |publisher=[[CanWest Global Communications]] |date=2008-04-02 |author=Greenaway, Norma}}</ref><ref>[http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/realproperty/text/pubs_ceremonial/page7-e.html Public Works and Government Services Canada: Ceremonial Procedures]</ref><ref>[http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/etiquette/2_e.cfm Department of Canadian Heritage: Rules for Flying the Flag]</ref><ref>[http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/sc-cs/occasion_e.cfm Department of Canadian Heritage: Rules for Half-masting the National Flag of Canada]</ref> {{-}} ==China== [[File:National mourning for 2008 Sichuan earthquake victims - Tiananmen Square, Beijing, 2008-05-19 (Cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Chinese flag at half-mast to mark to mourn for the victims of the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake]].]] The National Flag Law provides for a number of situations on which the flag should be flown at half-mast, and authorizes the [[State Council of the People's Republic of China|State Council]] to make such executive orders: *On the death of the [[President of the People's Republic of China|President]], Chairman of the [[Standing Committee of the National People's Congress]], [[Premier of the People's Republic of China|Premier]], [[Chairman of the Central Military Commission]], Chairman of the [[People's Political Consultative Conference]], and those who have made major contributions to the People's Republic of China, or to world peace or advancement of the mankind. For example, the flag was flown at half-mast after the deaths of [[Mao Zedong]] (1976), [[Deng Xiaoping]] (1997) and [[Yang Shangkun]] (1998). *When major disasters happen, such as when the flag was flown at half-mast from May 19 to May 21, 2008, the three national mourning days for the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake]]. ==Finland== [[File:Half raised flag.jpg|thumb|The [[Flag of Finland|Finnish flag]] flying at half-mast after the [[2011 Norway attacks]].]] In Finland, the official term for flying a flag at half-mast is known as ''suruliputus'' (''mourning by flag(ging)''). It is performed by raising the flag briefly to the top of the mast and lowering it approximately one-third of the length of the flagpole, placing the lower hoist corner at half-mast. On wall-mounted and roof-top flagpoles the middle of the flag should fly at the middle of the flagpole. When removing the flag from half-mast, it is briefly hoisted to the finial before lowering. Traditionally, private residences and apartment houses fly the national flag at half-mast on the day of the death of a resident, when the flag is displayed at half-mast until sunset or 21:00, whichever comes first. Flags are also flown at half-mast on the day of the burial, with the exception that the flag is to be hoisted to the finial after the inhumation takes place. Flags are also to be flown at half-mast on the days of national mourning. Such days are the deaths of former or current [[President of Finland|Finnish presidents]], as well as significant catastophical events such as the aftermath of [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]], [[2011 Norway attacks]] and significant national events such as the 2004 [[Konginkangas bus disaster]] and school shootings of [[Jokela school shooting|Jokela]] and [[Kauhajoki school shooting|Kauhajoki]]. Historically, flags were flown at half-mast on the [[Commemoration Day of Fallen Soldiers]] which takes place on the third Sunday of May. Originally, flag was raised to the finial in the morning, displayed at half-mast from 10:00 to 14:00, and again raised to the finial for the rest of the day. In 1995, the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the tradition of flying the flag at half-mast was discontinued and flag is displayed at the finial in a usual manner. ==France== The [[French flag]] is flown half mast on any Day of Mourning by order of the government (for example after the [[Charlie Hebdo shooting|Charlie Hebdo attack]] on 7 January 2015, the [[November 2015 Paris attacks|Paris attacks]] on 13 November 2015 and the [[2016 Nice attack|Nice attack]] on 14 July 2016). Other countries have also flown the French flag at half mast because of this too. (Australia's Sydney Harbour Bridge flew the French flag at half mast because of the Paris attacks on November 13 of 2015). Some occurrences of the French flag being flown half mast have been controversial, especially after the death of [[Pope John Paul II]] in 2005<ref>http://www.lemonde.fr/roland-garros/article/2005/04/04/drapeaux-en-berne-et-le-deuil-du-pape_635227_1616946.html</ref> but also in a lesser measure at the time following the death of [[Joseph Stalin]] in March 1953.<ref>http://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/2013/12/06/01016-20131206ARTFIG00356-drapeaux-en-berne-un-honneur-rare-pour-une-personnalite-etrangere.php</ref> ==Germany== [[File:Land-bw-g.jpg|thumb|Black ribbons indicate mourning on banners that cannot be lowered to halfmast]] The [[flag of Germany]] and the flags of its federal states are flown at half-mast: *On January 27, [[International Holocaust Remembrance Day|Day of Remembrance for the Victims of National Socialism]]; *On National Day of Mourning (33rd Sunday of [[Ordinary Time]]). *On any day of mourning by order of the [[President of Germany|federal president]] for all of Germany, or by order of a [[Minister-President#Germany|minister president]] for a particular state. E.g. upon the death of a current or former ranking politician or person of high esteem, or multiple deaths in accidents or natural disasters. {{-}} ==Greece== According to Law 851/1978, the only day specified on which the [[flag of Greece|Greek flag]] is flown at half-mast is [[Good Friday]]. Also, on other national and public mourning days. ==Hong Kong== [[File:Flags at half-staff in GBS.jpg|thumb|Hong Kong SAR flag flown at half mast]] Similar rules as in China apply for Hong Kong. See [[flag of Hong Kong#Half-mast|Flag of Hong Kong]] for details. Prior to the [[transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong|transfer of sovereignty]] in 1997, the rules for flying the flag at half-mast were the same as the British ones. *The HKSAR flag was flown at half-mast on August 24–26, 2010, for the fatalities of the Hong Thai Travel tourists in the [[2010 Manila hostage crisis]]. *The national flag of the PRC was also flown at half-mast on August 26 in Hong Kong. *The HKSAR flag was flown at half-mast on October 4–6, 2012, for the [[2012 Lamma Island ferry collision|Lamma Ferry Accident]] victims in which 39 people died. {{-}} ==India== The [[flag of India]] is flown at half-mast for the death of a [[President of India|President]], [[Vice President of India|Vice-President]], or [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]], all over India. For the Speaker of the [[Lok Sabha]] and the Chief Justice of The [[Supreme Court of India]], it is flown in [[Delhi]] and for a [[Cabinet of India|Union Cabinet]] Minister it is flown in Delhi and the state capitals, from where he or she came. For a Minister of State, it is flown only in Delhi. For a Governor, Lt. Governor, or Chief Minister of a state or union territory, it is flown in the concerned state. If the intimation of the death of any dignitary is received in the afternoon, the flag shall be flown at halfmast on the following day also at the place or places indicated above, provided the funeral has not taken place before sunrise on that day. On the day of the funeral of a dignitary mentioned above, the flag shall be flown at half-mast at the place of the funeral. In the event of a halfmast day coinciding with the [[Republic Day]], [[Independence Day (India)|Independence Day]], [[Gandhi Jayanti|Mahatma Gandhi's birthday]], National Week (6 to 13 April), any other particular day of national rejoicing as may be specified by the [[Government of India]], or, in the case of a state, on the anniversary of formation of that state, flags are not permitted to be flown at half-mast except over the building where the body of the deceased is lying until it has been removed and that flag shall be raised to the full-mast position after the body has been removed. Observances of State mourning on the death of foreign dignitaries are governed by special instructions issued from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Home Ministry) in individual cases. However, in the event of death of either the Head of the State or Head of the Government of a foreign country, the Indian Mission accredited to that country may fly the national flag on the above-mentioned days. India observed a five-day period of National Mourning on the death of [[Nelson Mandela]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/5-day-state-mourning-in-India-as-a-mark-of-respect-to-Nelson-Mandela/articleshow/26957822.cms |work=The Times Of India |title=5-day state mourning in India as a mark of respect to Nelson Mandela – The Times of India}}</ref> India also declared 29 March 2015 as a day of National Mourning as a mark of respect to the former Prime Minister of Singapore, [[Lee Kuan Yew]]. ==Iran== The [[flag of Iran]] is flown at half-mast on the death of a national figure or mourning days. *On January 21, 2017 Iran's flag was flown at half-mast worldwide to respect the victims of the [[Plasco Building]] collapse;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=13951102000001 |accessdate=2017-01-21 |title=Flag of Iran is flown half-mast}}</ref> *On January 10, 2017 Iran's flag was flown at half-mast worldwide to respect the death of the national figure and late Chairman of the [[Expediency Discernment Council]] Ayatollah [[Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani]] who died on January 8, 2017<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irna.ir/en/News/82381769/ |accessdate=2017-01-21 |title=Flag of Iran is flown half-mast}}</ref> ==Ireland== The [[flag of Ireland]] is flown at half-mast on the death of a national or international figure, that is, former and current [[President of Ireland|Presidents]] or [[Taoiseach]], on all prominent government buildings equipped with a flag pole. The death of a prominent local figure can also be marked locally by the flag being flown at half-mast. When the national flag is flown at half-mast, no other flag should be half-masted. When a balcony in Berkeley, California, collapsed, killing six Irish people, flags were flown at half mast above all state buildings. ==Israel== [[File:Yom HaShoah Flags halfmast.jpg|thumb|Flags in Israel at half mast on the eve of [[Yom HaShoah]]]] The [[flag of Israel]] is flown at half-mast in [[Israel]]: *On [[Yom HaShoah]], or the Holocaust Remembrance Day;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tourism.gov.il/Tourism_Euk/Tourist+Information/Jewish+Themes/Holidays/Holocaust+Remembrance+Day.htm |accessdate=2010-10-23 |title=Holidays — Holocaust Remembrance Day}}</ref> *On [[Yom Hazikaron]], or Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.knesset.gov.il/laws/special/eng/MemorialDayLaw_eng.htm |title=Memorial Day Law for the Fallen of Israel's Wars (unofficial translation) |accessdate=2010-10-23}}</ref> *On other national days of mourning. {{-}} ==Italy== The [[flag of Italy]] was flown at half-mast after the [[2013 Sardinia floods]] on November 22, 2013. ==Indonesia== The [[flag of Indonesia]] is or has been flown half-mast during several occasions: *On November 10 to remember the fallen heroes of the 1945 [[Battle of Surabaya]] during the [[Indonesian National Revolution]]; *Following the death of a former president, for example during the week following the death of [[Sukarno]], [[Suharto]], and [[Abdurrahman Wahid]]. During the era of President Suharto, the flying of the Indonesian flag at half-mast was administered in remembrance of the 1965 [[30 September Movement]]. However, after the fall of Suharto, this has not been enforced, mainly due to the controversies behind the movement. *On other national days of mourning, such as following the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]] in Aceh. ==Japan== The [[flag of Japan]] is flown at half-mast upon the death of the [[Emperor of Japan]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/hakusho/nc/t19890107001/t19890107001.html|title=天皇陛下崩御に際しての弔意奉表について：文部科学省|publisher=}}</ref> other members of the [[Imperial House of Japan|Imperial Family]], or a current or former [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]], and also following national disasters such as the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]]. In addition to the tradition of half-mast, the national flag topped by black cloth may be flown to designate mourning.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/press/pr/wakaru/topics/vol119/index.html|title=外務省: 国際儀礼（プロトコール）　～伝統的な国家間のマナー|publisher=}}</ref> See the [[flag of Japan]] for more. ==Malaysia== The [[flag of Malaysia]] (Jalur Gemilang) is flown at half-mast all over the country: *On the death of the King, for seven days from the day of announcement. The states' flag also flown at half-mast also for 7 days, while the national and state royal standard flown at half-mast from the day of the announcement until the day of the coronation of the new ruler; *On the death of the Queen, for seven days from the day of announcement. Only the states' flag flown at half-mast with Malaysian flag for seven days; *On the death of the Rulers and the Heads of State, from the day of announcement until the day of the funeral. Only the Ruler's state flag is flown for seven days, effective from the day of announcement, while his royal standard flown at half-mast from the day of announcement until the day of the coronation of the new ruler; *On the death of the Prime Minister or his actor of the post, for 3 days from the day of announcement; or *When the Prime Minister's Department ordered to flown the Malaysian flag at half-mast for some days. As a mark of respect to the passengers and crew who were on board [[Malaysia Airlines Flight 370]] and their family members, some states had their states flag flown at half-mast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/03/27/State-heads-can-decide-on-flying-flags-at-halfmast-It-falls-under-their-prerogative-says-government/|title=It falls under their prerogative, says government official – Nation – The Star Online|publisher=}}</ref> Similarly, as a mark of respect to the passengers and crew who were on board [[Malaysia Airlines Flight 17]] and their family members, the national flag was flown at half-mast for three days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/south-east-asia/story/malaysia-airlines-mh17-crash-flags-fly-half-mast-over-next-three-day/|title=Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash: Flags to fly at half-mast over next three days, says Najib|first=|last=migration|date=18 July 2014|publisher=}}</ref> The [[2015 Sabah earthquake]] will have a mourning day and the flag half-mast on 8 June 2015. ==Malta== [[File:Malta - ZebbugM - Good Friday 003 ies.jpg|thumb|Flag at half-mast in [[Żebbuġ]], [[Malta]] for [[Good Friday]] 2014]] The [[flag of Malta]] is flown at half-mast on government buildings by instruction of the government through the Office of the Prime Minister,<ref>{{cite web |title=Flags, Symbols and their uses |url=https://www.gov.mt/en/About%20Malta/Pages/Flags-Symbols-and-their-use.aspx |publisher=Government of Malta |accessdate=4 April 2015}}</ref> for example after [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Flags at half mast |url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20050101/local/flags-at-half-mast.103273 |accessdate=4 April 2015 |work=[[Times of Malta]] |date=1 January 2005}}</ref> {{-}} ==Netherlands== [[File:Martinitoren Groningen.JPG|thumb|upright|Two flags half-mast at the [[Martinitoren]] in [[Groningen (city)|Groningen]], Netherlands]] The [[flag of the Netherlands]] is nationally flown at half-mast: *On [[Remembrance of the Dead|remembrance day of the dead (May 4th)]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.minbzk.nl/actueel?ActItmIdt=11867|title=Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties|first=Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en|last=Koninkrijksrelaties|publisher=}}</ref> After the formal 2-minutes of silence at 8 p.m., the flag used to be hoisted upon the playing of the National Anthem. Since 2001, it is allowed to leave the flag at half-mast, even after the two minutes of silence; *At the death of a member of the [[Dutch Royal Family|royal family]]; *By instruction of the Dutch government through the office of the [[Prime Minister]] in special situations, such as happened after the crash of [[Malaysia Airlines Flight 17]] in which 193 Dutch citizens died. {{-}} ==New Zealand== [[File:New Zealand flag half mast.jpg|thumb|New Zealand flag at half-mast to mark the death of [[Edmund Hillary|Sir Edmund Hillary]]]] For both government and public buildings, the [[flag of New Zealand]] is flown at half-mast for the following people:<ref name="nzmch">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mch.govt.nz/nzflag/flying.html |title=Flying the New Zealand flag}}</ref> *[[Monarchy of New Zealand|Monarch of New Zealand]] from the day of the announcement of their death up to and including the day of the funeral (However, it is flown at full-mast on [[Proclamation Day]], the day when the new sovereign is announced); *Current and former [[Governor-General of New Zealand|Governors-General]] and [[Prime Minister of New Zealand|Prime Ministers of New Zealand]] on the day of the announcement of their death and the day of their funerals; *Other members of the [[New Zealand Royal Family]] on the day of their funeral subject to a special command from the Queen or Governor-General; *[[Commonwealth of Nations]] [[Governor-General|Governors-General]], Commonwealth Prime Ministers in office, Foreign and Commonwealth Heads of State on the day of the funeral; In addition, it can also be flown at half-mast at the request of the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage. Examples of this are for the deaths of prominent New Zealanders (e.g. [[Edmund Hillary|Sir Edmund Hillary]]<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.matangitonga.to/article/hillary_120108_1057_pf.shtml |title=Sir Edmund Hillary dies |date=12 January 2008 |accessdate=2008-01-16}}</ref> and [[Te Atairangikaahu|Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu]], the Maori Queen<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mch.govt.nz/half-mast.html |title=Half-masting of New Zealand flag |accessdate=2008-01-16 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090807063938/http://www.mch.govt.nz/half-mast.html |archivedate=2009-08-07}}</ref>), and for national tragedies (e.g. the [[Pike River Mine disaster]]) According to the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, the position is always referred to as half-mast. The flag should be at least its own height from the top of the flagpole, though the actual position will depend on the size of the flag and the length of the flagpole.<ref name="nzmch"/> {{-}} ==Pakistan== The [[flag of Pakistan]] is routinely flown at half-mast on following days: *On April 21, anniversary of the death of the [[National poet|National Poet]], [[Allama Muhammad Iqbal]] (1938); *On September 11, anniversary of the death of the [[Father of the Nation]] [[Muhammad Ali Jinnah]] (1948); *On October 16, anniversary of the death of the first [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|Prime Minister]], [[Liaquat Ali Khan]] (1952). Any other day notified by the Government. For example, on the death of Saudi king [[Fahd of Saudi Arabia|King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz]], the flag was flown at half-mast for seven days (the [[flag of Saudi Arabia]] wasn't at half-mast because the flag contains the [[Shahada]]). Upon the [[Assassination of Benazir Bhutto]], the flag was ordered to be flown at half-mast for three days.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} On the death of [[Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin]], spiritual leader of Dawoodi Bohra community, the flag has been ordered by Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, to be flown at half-mast for two days (January 17 and 18) to express solidarity with the bereaved community. In 2014, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced a three-day mourning period from 16 December, including flying the flag at half-mast nationwide and at all Embassies and High Commissions of Pakistan, for the attack on Army Public School in Peshawar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arynews.tv/en/%EF%BB%BFtwo-children-terrorists-attack-peshawars-army-public-school/|title=At least 141 dead in Taliban school attack in PeshawarARY NEWS|publisher=}}</ref> ==Philippines== The [[flag of the Philippines]] may be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning.<ref name=ra8491>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.ph/aboutphil/RA8491.asp |title=Republic Act No. 8491 |accessdate=2009-06-08 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20071205235342/http://www.gov.ph/aboutphil/RA8491.asp |archivedate= 2007-12-05}} (archived from [http://www.gov.ph/aboutphil/RA8491.asp the original] on 2007-12-05).</ref> Upon the official announcement of the death of the [[President of the Philippines|President]] or a former President, the flag should be flown at half-mast for ten days. The flag should be flown at half-mast for seven days following the death of the [[Vice President of the Philippines|Vice President]], the [[Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines|Chief Justice]], the [[President of the Senate of the Philippines|President of the Senate]] or the [[Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives|Speaker of the House of Representatives]]. The flag may also be required to fly at half-mast upon the death of other persons to be determined by the National Historical Institute, for a period less than seven days. The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the decedent was holding office, on the day of death until the day of interment of an incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, and such other persons as may be determined by the National Historical Institute. Such other people determined by the National Historical Institute have included [[Pope John Paul II]], and former U.S. President [[Ronald Reagan]]. As per Republic Act No. 229, flags nationwide are flown at half-mast every [[Rizal Day]] on 30 December to commemorate the death of national hero [[José Rizal]]. When flown at half-mast, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for a moment then lowered to the half-mast position. It should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day. The flag may also be used to cover the caskets of the dead of the military, veterans of previous wars, national artists, and outstanding civilians as determined by the local government. In such cases, the flag must be placed such that the white triangle is at the head and the blue portion covers the right side of the casket. The flag should not be lowered to the grave or allowed to touch the ground, but should be solemnly folded and handed to the heirs of the deceased. Flags must also be raised to half-mast immediately in any area recovering from [[natural disaster]]s such as a [[typhoon]] or an [[earthquake]]. ==Russia== The [[flag of Russia]] is flown at half-mast and (or) topped by black ribbon: *On June 22 as a reminder of the [[Operation Barbarossa|German invasion of the USSR]] in 1941. *On the death of a current or former [[President of Russia]]. *On disasters causing more than 100 killed – across all the country upon Presidential proclamation. *On disasters causing more than 10 killed – in a suffering region upon proclamation of a Governor. *On other tragic occasions. For example, national mourning was proclaimed and all the state flags were flown at half-mast after [[2010 Polish Air Force Tu-154 crash|the Polish President's plane crash]] near [[Smolensk]], Russia despite the number of casualties being slightly fewer than 100. After the [[Assassination of Andrei Karlov]], the Russian ambassador in Turkey, in December 2016, the Russian flag was fown in half-mast on all Russian embassies in the world. All the regional flags and the departmental ensigns are flown at half-mast on national or regional mourning days as well as the national flag. Firms and non-governmental organizations, embassies and representatives of international organizations often join the mourning. National or regional mourning usually lasts for one day. ==Saudi Arabia== [[File:Flags at half-staff outside Central Plaza.jpg|thumb|The flag of Saudi Arabia is never flown at half-mast.]] The [[flag of Saudi Arabia]] is one of the four flags in the world that are never flown at half-mast because it shows the ''[[Shahada]]''. The [[flag of Somaliland]], a [[List of states with limited recognition|self-declared state]] internationally recognized as part of [[Somalia]], also displays the ''Shahada''. The [[flag of Iraq]] bears the ''[[Takbir]]'' once. The [[flag of Afghanistan]] displays the ''Takbir'' beneath the ''Shahada'' on the top. Since all four bear the concept of oneness of God, the flag is never lowered to half-mast even as a sign of mourning.{{citation needed|date = December 2016}} {{-}} ==Singapore== The [[flag of Singapore]] is flown at half-mast in Singapore following the deaths of an "important personage"<ref>{{Singapore legislation|title=Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Act|cap=296|sltype=R|no=1|year=2004|url=http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;ident=cf4f681e-f64a-4d72-8a0b-1a8e3a832463;page=0;query=Id%3A%22dcb5638b-1591-4cb6-90af-8626d9561607%22%20Status%3Ainforce;rec=0#legis}}</ref> (such as state leaders) and during periods of national mourning. Examples include: *On the death of the fifth President (the first to be directly elected), [[Ong Teng Cheong]], in February 2002, even though he did not receive a state funeral; *On the death of the fourth President, [[Wee Kim Wee]], in 2005; *On the death of a former Cabinet Minister, [[Goh Keng Swee]], who had a state funeral on 23 May 2010; *On the death of a former Deputy Prime Minister, [[Toh Chin Chye]], who was cremated on 7 February 2012. *On the death of the first Prime Minister, [[Lee Kuan Yew]], who died on 23 March 2015. *On the death of 7 pupils, 1 teacher and a guide from Tanjong Katong Primary School due to [[2015 Sabah earthquake]]. *On the death of the sixth President of Singapore, [[S. R. Nathan]], who died on 22 August 2016. *On the death of a former Cabinet Minister, [[Othman Wok]], who died on 17 April 2017. ==South Africa== The [[flag of South Africa]] is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning when ordered by the [[President of South Africa]]. Upon the official announcement of the death of the current or former President, the flag should be flown at half-mast for ten days. The flag should be flown at half-mast for seven days following the death of the Deputy President, the Chairperson of NCOP, the Speaker of the National Assembly or the Chief Justice.<ref>{{cite web |title=Government Notice: Instructions regarding the flying of the national flag of South Africa |url=http://www.info.gov.za/view/DownloadFileAction?id=65778 |publisher=Government of South Africa |date=8 June 2001 |accessdate=16 December 2013}}</ref> For example, the flag was flown at half-mast from 6–15 December 2013 during the [[death and state funeral of Nelson Mandela|national mourning period for Nelson Mandela]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Nelson Mandela dead: Full address to the nation by President Jacob Zuma |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/full-address-to-the-nation-by-president-jacob-zuma-on-death-of-president-nelson-mandela-8986970.html |accessdate=15 December 2013 |newspaper=The Independent |date=5 December 2013 |location=London}}</ref> The flag was flown at half-mast during the week of national mourning following the [[Marikana miners' strike|Marikana massacre]] in August 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title=Flags to fly at half mast for a week |url=http://www.iol.co.za/mercury/flags-to-fly-at-half-mast-for-a-week-1.1366120#.Uq8CddIW2yg |accessdate=16 December 2013 |newspaper=The Mercury |date=20 August 2012}}</ref> ==South Korea== The [[flag of South Korea]] (Taegeukgi) is flown at half-mast on [[Memorial Day (South Korea)|Hyeonchungil]] (Korean Memorial Day). ==Sri Lanka== The [[flag of Sri Lanka]] is nationally flown at half-mast on a National day of mourning. ==Taiwan== [[File:Flag of the ROC at half staff in Presidential Building tower 20090824.jpg|thumb|[[flag of the Republic of China|ROC national flag]] flown half mast at the [[Presidential Office Building, Taipei|Presidential Office Building]]]] The [[flag of the Republic of China]] is flown at half-mast on February 28 to mark the anniversary of the [[February 28 Incident]]. On 5 August 2014, Taiwan flew their flag in half-mast for three days to commemorate the victims of the [[2014 Kaohsiung gas explosions|Kaohsiung gas explosions]] and [[TransAsia Airways Flight 222|TransAsia Airways Flight 222 crash]].<ref name=ChinaPost>{{cite news |title=Flags flying at half-mast to mourn explosions, air crash |url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2014/08/06/414181/Flags-flying.htm |accessdate=28 November 2014 |work=The China Post |date=6 August 2014}}</ref> {{-}} ==Thailand== The [[flag of Thailand]] was flown at half-mast for 15 days to mourn for the victims of [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]]. The [[flag of Thailand]] was flown at half-mast from January 2 to January 15, 2008 on the death of Princess [[Galyani Vadhana]], the Princess of Naradhiwas. Also from October 14 to November 13, 2016 the [[flag of Thailand]] was flown half-mast for 30 days; following the death of King [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]] (Rama IX). ==Turkey== [[File:Turkish flags at half staff.jpg|thumb|[[Flag of Turkey|Turkish flags]] at half mast after the [[2016 Atatürk Airport attack]]]] The [[flag of Turkey]] is flown at half-mast throughout Turkey every 10 November, between 09:05 and the sunset, in memory of [[Mustafa Kemal Atatürk]], who died on November 10, 1938 at five past nine in the morning. At other times, the government may issue an order for the national flag to be flown at half-mast upon the death of principal figures of the Turkish political life as a mark of respect to their memory (such as [[Turgut Özal]]). When such an order is issued, all government buildings, offices, public schools and military bases are to fly their flags at half-mast. To show the sympathy of Turkish people to a foreign leader, flags are also flown at half-mast by governmental order (such as after the deaths of [[Yasser Arafat]] or [[Pope John Paul II]]). The flag at the Grand National Assembly in Ankara is never lowered to half-mast, regardless of the occasion. The flag at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of Turkey, is only lowered to half-mast on November 10. At those times when the flag is to be flown at half-mast, it must first be raised to full height, then lowered to half-mast. {{-}} == United Arab Emirates == The flag of the United Arab Emirates is flown at half mast on 30 November ([[Commemoration Day|Martyrs' Day]]) of every year from 08:00 to 11:30. The flag is also flown at half mast by decree of the [[President of the United Arab Emirates]] usually for three days. Each of the seven Emirs has the right to order flags to be flown at half mast in his Emirate. ==United Kingdom== [[File:Vatican flag half-mast Oxford 20050403.jpg|thumb|Oratory Church of St Aloysius Gonzaga, [[Oxford]], with the [[flag of the Vatican City|flag of the Holy See]] flying at half-mast the day after the death of [[Pope John Paul II]].]] The [[Royal Standard (United Kingdom)|Royal Standard]], the flag of the British monarch, is never flown at half-mast, because there is always a living monarch: the throne passes immediately to the successor. There was some controversy in the United Kingdom in 1997 following the death of [[Diana, Princess of Wales]] that no flag was flying at half-mast at [[Buckingham Palace]]. Until 1997, the only flag to fly from Buckingham Palace was the Royal Standard, the official flag of the reigning British sovereign, which would only fly when the sovereign was in residence at the Palace (or, exceptionally, after the death of the sovereign, the flag of the next senior member of the Royal Family would be raised, if the new sovereign were not present); otherwise, no flag would fly. In response to public outcry<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1560640/Royal-Family-learnt-lesson-over-Princess-Diana.html |title=Royal Family learnt lesson over Princess Diana |accessdate=2012-03-18 |location=London |work=The Daily Telegraph |first=Andrew |last=Pierce |date=August 18, 2007}}</ref> that the palace was not flying a flag at half mast, [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth II]] ordered a break with protocol, replacing the [[Royal Standard (United Kingdom)|Royal Standard]] with the [[Union Flag]] at half-mast as soon as the Queen left the Palace to attend [[funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales|the Princess's funeral]] at [[Westminster Abbey]]. The Royal Standard was again flown (at full hoist) on her return to the Palace. Since then, the Union Flag flies from the Palace when the Queen is not in residence, and has flown at half mast upon the deaths of members of the Royal Family, such as [[Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon|Princess Margaret]] and [[Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon|the Queen Mother]] in 2002 and other times of national mourning such as following the [[7 July 2005 London bombings|terrorist bombings in London on 7 July 2005]]. In the UK, the correct way to fly the flag at half-mast is two-thirds between the bottom and top of the flagstaff, with at least the width of the flag between the top of the flag and the top of the pole according to the [[Department of Culture, Media and Sport]], which decides the flying, on command of the Sovereign. The flag may be flown on a government building at half-mast on the following days: *From the announcement of the death up to the funeral of the Sovereign, except on [[Proclamation Day]] when flags are hoisted to full-mast, from 11am until sunset; *The funerals of members of the royal family, upon command of the Sovereign; *The funerals of foreign rulers, upon command of the Sovereign; *The funerals of prime ministers and ex-prime ministers of the UK, upon command of the Sovereign; *Other occasions, by special command of the Sovereign. According to the [[Department of Culture, Media and Sport]], the correct term is Half Mast.<ref>See ''Flying Flags in the United Kingdom: a Guide to Britain's Flag Protocol''</ref> If a flag flying day coincides with a half-mast flag flying day (including the death of a member of the royal family), the flag is flown at full-mast unless a specific command is received from the Sovereign. If more than one flag is flown on a half-mast day, they must all be flown at half-mast, or not at all. The flag of a foreign nation must never be flown at half-mast on UK soil unless that country has declared mourning. ==United Nations== At the [[United Nations]] offices in New York and Geneva, the [[flag of the United Nations]] flies at half-mast on the day after the death of a Head of State or a Head of Government of a member state, but generally not during the funeral.<ref>[http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/maplib/docs/stsgb132.pdf UN flag code and regulations]</ref> Other occasions are at the Secretary-General's discretion. Other offices may follow local practice. To honor the memory of [[Dag Hammarskjöld]] the UN issued [[postage stamp]]s showing its flag at half-mast. ==United States== [[File:Capitol flag flies half-staff in honor of Reagan.jpg|thumb|right|The flag at the Capitol Building flies at half-staff in honor of President [[Ronald Reagan]], 2004]] [[File:US halfstaff sunset.jpg|thumb|right|The United States flag flying at half-staff at sunset.]] In the United States, the correct term for non-nautical use is "half-staff." While the term "half-mast" is commonly used in place of half-staff, U.S. law and military tradition indicate that "half-mast" is reserved to usage aboard a ship, where flags are typically flown from masts, and at naval ships ashore.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bartleby.com/68/88/2888.html|title=Bartleby.com: Great Books Online -- Quotes, Poems, Novels, Classics and hundreds more|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usa-flag-site.org/faq/half-staff.shtml|title=Does a Flag Fly at Half-Staff or Half-Mast? USA Flag Site|publisher=}}</ref> Elsewhere ashore, flags are flown at "half-staff." In addition, flags are lowered to half-staff, not raised.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://quizlet.com/93052043/sept-8-confused-words-flash-cards|title=Sept. 8 Confused Words flashcards - Quizlet|publisher=}}</ref> In the United States, the President can issue an [[executive order (United States)|executive order]] for the [[flag of the United States]] to be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States government and others, as a mark of respect to their memory. When such an order is issued, all government buildings, offices, public schools, and military bases are to fly their flags at half-staff. Under [[United States Flag Code|federal law]] ({{UnitedStatesCode|4|7(f)}}), the flags of states, cities, localities, and pennants of societies, shall never be placed above the flag of the United States; thus, all other flags also fly at half-staff when the U.S. flag has been ordered to fly at half-staff. There is no penalty for failure to comply with the above law as to enforce such a penalty would violate the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment]].{{citation needed|reason=Either a link to US code or federal ruling would be useful. This sentence is currently not supported.|date = June 2016}} [[Governor#United States|Governors]] of U.S. states and territories are authorized by [[United States Code|federal law]] to order all U.S. and state flags in their jurisdiction flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for a former or current state official who has died, or for a member of the armed forces who has died in active duty. The governor's authority to issue the order is more restricted than the president's, and does not include discretion to issue the order for state residents who do not meet the criteria stated. Since a governor's executive order affects only his or her state, not the entire country, these orders are distinguished from presidential proclamations. Under {{UnitedStatesCode|4|7(m)}} and established traditions by Presidential proclamations, the flag of the United States is to be flown at half-staff on rare occasions, in the following circumstances:<ref>{{UnitedStatesCode|4|7(m)}}</ref> *For thirty days after the death of a current or former president or president-elect, as occurred after the [[death and state funeral of Ronald Reagan|death of President Reagan]] and the [[death and state funeral of Gerald Ford|death of President Ford]]. *For ten days after the death of a current [[Vice President of the United States|vice president]], current or retired [[Chief Justice of the United States|chief justice]], or current [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives|Speaker of the House of Representatives]]. *From the day of death until interment of an [[Associate Justice of the Supreme Court]], a secretary of an executive or military department, a former vice president, the [[President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate|President Pro Tempore of the Senate]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=8756 |title=Nixon's Proclamation 3948 establishing the expectation that the flag will be raised to half-mast upon the death of certain designated officials|website=presidency.ucsb.edu|accessdate=2012-12-20}}</ref> or the governor of a state, territory, or possession. *On the day of death and the following day for a [[Member of Congress]]. *On [[Memorial Day]] until noon. *Every September 11 in remembrance of the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref>{{cite press release |title=Honoring the Victims of the Incidents on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 |publisher=White House |date= September 12, 2001 |url=http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010912-1.html |accessdate=2008-01-16}}</ref> *Upon presidential proclamation, usually after the death of other notable figures or tragic events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/halfstaff.pdf|format=PDF|title=Flying the American Flag at Half Staff |website=U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs|accessdate=12 June 2016}}</ref> Federal law includes a Congressional request that the flag be flown at half-staff on [[Peace Officers Memorial Day]] (May 15), unless that day is also [[Armed Forces Day]]. Presidential proclamations also call for the flag to be flown at half-staff on [[Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day]] (December 7),<ref>{{cite press release |title=National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2007 |publisher=White House |date= December 4, 2007 |url=http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071204-9.html |accessdate=2008-01-16}}</ref> and [[Patriot Day]] (September 11).<ref>{{cite press release |title=Patriot Day, 2007 |publisher=White House |date= September 4, 2007 |url=http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/09/20070904-6.html |accessdate=2008-01-16}}</ref> On October 16, 2001, [[George W. Bush|President George W. Bush]] approved legislation requiring the United States flag to be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters. {{USPL|107|51}} requires this action to occur annually in conjunction with observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service |publisher=The Library of Congress |date= October 16, 2001 |url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d107:h.j.res.42: |accessdate=2010-05-06}}</ref> The date of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is traditionally the first Sunday in October. It is held at the [[National Fallen Firefighters Memorial]] in [[Emmitsburg, Maryland]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Fallen Firefighters Monument |publisher=National Fallen Firefighters Foundation |date= October 1, 1981 |url=http://weekend.firehero.org/ |accessdate=2010-05-06}}</ref> {{UnitedStatesCode|4|7(m)}} was modified with new legislation signed into effect on June 29, 2007, by [[George W. Bush|President Bush]], requiring any federal facility within a region, which proclaims half-staff to honor a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who died on active duty, to follow the half-staff proclamation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Code Modifications for Half-Staff at a Federal Facility |publisher="When to fly the flag at half mast", gettysburgflag.com |url=http://www.gettysburgflag.com/FlyFlagHalfMast.php |accessdate=2009-01-04}}</ref> ==Vietnam== Apart from the lowered position of the [[flag of Vietnam]], state mourning also warrants a black ribbon 1/10 the width of the flag's width and equal to the length of the flag to be tied at the summit. Variants have the black ribbon wrapped around the flag itself, preventing it from being unfurled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://giaoduc.net.vn/Xa-hoi/Cach-treo-co-ru-Le-tang-Dai-Tuong-Vo-Nguyen-Giap-post129354.gd|title=Cách treo cờ rủ Lễ tang Đại Tướng Võ Nguyên Giáp|first=|last=giaoduc.net.vn|date=6 October 2013|publisher=}}</ref> ==Zimbabwe== The [[flag of Zimbabwe]] is flown at half-mast at the conferment of National Hero Status to the deceased. As a first-generation{{discuss}} republic, adjudication over such a status is currently done by the politburo of the [[ZANU–PF]].{{Citation needed|date = December 2016}} ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} ==External links== {{commons category|Flags at half staff}} {{Wiktionary|half-mast|half-staff}} *[http://itsanhonour.gov.au/symbols/flag.cfm#halfmast Australian protocols for flying at half-mast] *[http://www.flaginstitute.org/wp/british-flags/flying-flags-in-the-united-kingdom/british-flag-protocol/#index21 British Flag Protocol] *[http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/berne-halfmasting/index_e.cfm Canadian Heritage announcements of half-masting] *[http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/sc-cs/occasion_e.cfm Canadian rules for half-masting] *[http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/4/7.html US Flag Code Concerning Flag Display] *[http://www.halfstaff.us Calendar of Presidential and Gubernatorial half-staff orders for United States] {{DEFAULTSORT:Half-Mast}} [[Category:Acknowledgements of death]] [[Category:Flag practices]] [[sv:Flaggning#Sorgflaggning - "flaggning på halv stång"]]'