flags at half mast
 

While riding near Spanish Springs this afternoon, I noticed that flags were flying at half-mast. Does anyone know why?

Police Officers Memorial Day.

Half Staff. The Mast is the Navy, the Staff is the land. Fortunately I've never had to salute a flag on the Mast.

Websters:

half–mast /ˈhæfˈmæst, Brit ˈhɑ:fˈmɑ:st/ noun
[noncount] : the position in the middle of a mast or pole ◊A flag is flown at half-mast or lowered to half-mast to show respect for a person who has died.


half–staff /ˈhæfˈstæf, Brit ˈhɑ:fˈstɑ:f/ noun
[noncount] US : half-mast

.

I guess only the military people realize the diffence.

START: 5/15/2013
END: 5/15/2013
US Flags to Flags to Half Staff in Honor of Police Officers Memorial Day
PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY AND POLICE WEEK, 2013

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

I have...and feel fortunate to have done so.;)

Guess Navy isn't required to honor Police Officers Memorial Day.

.

Yes they are, and I just get seasick which is why I didn't choose navy. Don't know how those guys did it, there's really no place to hide, you really are a sitting duck which takes a heck of a lot of courage.

And the whole mast vs staff thing, it's like in the army when you say yes sir, and he says "I'm not a sir, I'm a sergeant and I work for a living." Think it's more culture than anything.

I'm all for honoring those who have lost their lives serving the public, but I wonder how effective it is in giving recognition to have the flags at half mast if the majority don't even know why they are being flown that way. I saw many flying that way yesterday, and I have to admit, I had no idea why...maybe I live under a rock? (or in a bubble?)

Also, I may not remember correctly, but the USA flag used to be flown at half mast to honor only very prominent members of government having passed. It seems to me (MY opinion) that it lessens the meaning somewhat...

I am open to discusion... :-)

If not in the military then half mast-half staff head- bathroom deck-floor .........all that matters is that someone understands what you mean
Geeezzz

The POTUS is the one who decides when it is appropriate for our flag to be lowered to half staff. The American Legion sends me a notice, as a reminder, when to lower our flag.

I understand that the POTUS decides, but perhaps there should be some way of letting the population know what is being recognized? Otherwise the message is lost. I also understand that it can be flown at half staff in some counties, when military personel based in those counties have perished.

The system in place works the way that it is intended, it is up to the media to broadcast this info if they choose to. It is up to you and I to find a way to stay on top of things like this if it is of importance to us.

Thanks. I don't understand all I know about this but I believe this I always knew, I think. I've seen neighbors with flag poles put theirs at half staff whenever they felt like it. There is one a few blocks away that has his at half staff way too often. It is reserved for very special occasions such as 9/11 and declared by the president.
It's like what's the different between murder and an assassination? It depends on who it is.

Go to American Flags Flagpoles Religious Military Historical Flags and sign up for the newsletter and they will send you an email when the flag is to be flown at half staff and give you the reason why.

I think I sent a request to the Daily Sun years ago asking them to put something in the paper so all of us that fly the American flag would know when to fly it at half staff. I got no response.

I send a note to some of the people in the neighborhood that fly the American flag to let them know.

Z