Numbers

Flags at Half Mast

Flags are flown at half mast as a way of publicly commemorating a public holiday of mourning, such as Remembrance Day/Veterans Day, on the death of a prominent citizen, or in the aftermath of a tragedy, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.

How It's Used

“When poet and newspaperman William Cullen Bryant died in June 1878, the mayor of New York ordered the city's flags lowered to half mast, but the official gesture of mourning was hardly necessary. Bryant's death sparked a spontaneous outpouring of affection. His portrait, one friend recalled, 'was displayed in all the shop windows, and his writings were in special demand at every bookstore and library.’”

"His [Robert O. Anderson] impact was so significant that the governor of New Mexico, where Anderson had set up home on a huge ranch, ordered flags on civic buildings to be flown at half-mast when he died."

"'Today, after this tragic incident [the assassination of Benazir Bhutto], I want to express my firm resolve. I express my resolve that—and I also seek solidarity from the nation and co-operation and help—we will not rest until we eliminate these terrorists and root them out.'

"President Musharraf also announced three days of mourning, during which the flag will fly at half-mast, and called for calm across the country. 'I want to appeal to the nation to remain peaceful and exercise restraint,' he said."

"He [Serigne Saliou Mbacké] was buried Saturday. Mr. Ndoye said four million people were expected to make the pilgrimage to the burial site, and by Sunday, hundreds of thousands had visited the grave in the holy city of Touba, about 125 miles east of Dakar. Senegal's president, Abdoulaye Wade, ordered a three-day national period of mourning, with flags flown at half-staff."

"'[Rocky Tommaseo] has been an icon of St. Bernard Parish, and is part of what St. Bernard Parish is,' said Parish President Craig Taffaro, who often brings visiting politicians and policymakers to the restaurant [Rocky & Carlo's]. He said flags in St. Bernard will fly at half-staff today, which will be declared 'Rocky Tommaseo Day' in the parish."

Also Known As (AKA)

Flags at Half-Staff

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