The lowering of the flag to half-staff, sometimes referred to as half-mast, is a symbol of mourning or respect, ordered to acknowledge significant losses or events. When displayed at half-staff, the flag flies midway between the top and bottom of the staff. This practice serves as a visual representation of sorrow felt by a community, state, or nation.
This action is generally undertaken to honor the passing of prominent figures, such as government officials, military personnel who have died in service, or victims of national tragedies. The practice provides a collective expression of grief and serves as a reminder of the importance of the individual or event being commemorated. Historically, the practice is thought to have originated as a way to make room for an “invisible flag of death” flying above.