[EmailPoster]

I am the exalted ruler at our local elks'...

Originally Posted by davidd

I am the Exalted Ruler at our local Elks' Lodge. Recently, we had a
soldier from our community killed in combat action in Iraq. The
Question
came up about lowering the American Flag in front of the Lodge to
half-staff, out of respect for a solider from our community.

I would like to know if there is any set standard or protocol for
putting an American Flag at half-staff?

Is placing the American Flag at half-staff left up to the individual or
are their certain times the flag can or cannot be flown at half-staff?

What people (I.a. government officials, policeman, fireman) can have
the
flag flown at half-staff if they pass away.

Thanks for your assistance.

[jproffitt10]

David,

Section 7(m) of the United States Flag Code follows:

(m) The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff. The flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a former President; 10 days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the 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, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. As used in this subsection -

• (1) The term ''half-staff'' means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;
  (2) The term ''executive or military department'' means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States Code; and (3) The term ''Member of Congress'' means a Senator, a Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
  
  
  Officially, aside from individuals listed above, only the President can authorize the United States flag to be flown at half-staff for any reason. BUT, it is common practice all over the nation for individuals, local municipalities and departments, schools and other organizations to fly the flag at half-staff as a sign of respect and mourning at the passing of an individual or individuals.
  
  While it does not follow U.S. flag code protocol, the Elks' half-staff display shows respect for the fallen soldier.