Half-mast or half-staff refers to a flag flying below the summit of a ship mast, a pole on land, or a pole on a building. In many countries this is seen as a symbol of respect, mourning, distress, or, in some cases, a salute. Most English-speaking countries use the term half-mast in all instances.

Whats the meaning of a half-mast?

noun. a position approximately halfway between the top of a mast, staff, etc., and its base. verb (used with object) to place (a flag) at half-mast, as a mark of respect for the dead or as a signal of distress.

What does a flag at half-mast mean?

Display at half staff

The flag is displayed at half-staff (half-mast in naval usage) as a sign of respect or mourning. Nationwide, this action is proclaimed by the president; state-wide or territory-wide, the proclamation is made by the governor.

Why do we say half-mast?

When a flag is flown half-staff, it signifies a mournful salute, often for fallen soldiers, police officers, or other service members. It refers to a flag flown below the top of a flagpole, usually about halfway to the top.

What is a synonym for half-mast?

In this page you can discover 3 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for half-mast, like: half-staff, supersonic-speed and union-flag.

Half-mast Meaning

What is the difference in half-mast and half-staff?

The term "half-mast" is preferred by dictionaries and seems more appropriate at sea (as ships have masts). "Half-staff" seems more appropriate on land, and is the preferred term used in the Flag Code and in Presidential proclamations. We call it a draw. The two terms may be used interchangeably for general use.

Can I fly a flag in my garden UK?

UK Flag Rules: Multiple Flags

You can now fly up to two flags (2) within the grounds of a building. ... Up to two flags can be flown without consent when erected in the grounds of a building. But only one flag can be flown within the gardens of a building if another flag is either being flown from the roof.

Why are flags at half-mast today OHIO 2021?

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—In honor of the lives lost to overdose and to recognize and raise awareness for Ohio Overdose Awareness Day, Governor DeWine today ordered that the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the state from sunrise until ...

What does it mean if a flag is upside down?

According to U.S. Flag Code, the flag should never be displayed upside-down “except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.” ... An example of when a flag should be flown upside-down, Watson said, is if the U.S. was under physical attack.

Why is the flag at half-mast today September 27 2020?

In honor of fallen firefighters, Governor Walz has asked that flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on September 27. "Each day, our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect us, our loved ones, and our communities,” Governor Walz said.

Why are flags at half mast today in Missouri?

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered that the United States and Missouri flags at all government buildings statewide be flown at half-staff on Thursday, September 16, 2021, in honor of United States Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, of Wentzville, Missouri.

Who can have a flag on their coffin UK?

Service veterans, irrespective of previous rank, have no entitlement to a military funeral, and can have any flag to dress the coffin including the Royal Navy's White Ensign and the Royal Air Force Ensign if that reflects the wishes of the deceased and/or the next of kin.

Is it illegal to fly Jolly Roger?

So are you allowed to fly a Jolly Roger? There are no laws that prohibit the flying of the Jolly Roger flag in the U.S., but Flying one could be trickier than that. Jolly Roger- or a 'pirate flag' in lay man's term could be easily incorporated with a black flag containing a white skull and crossbones with it.

Is it illegal to fly the union jack in your garden?

As long as the person flying the flag has permission from the owner of the site, the flag is safe and doesn't cause danger by obscuring things like official road signs, the St George's cross can be flown.

Is a flag pole called a staff?

a staff or pole on which a flag is or can be displayed. Also called flagstaff.

What is the only flag that can be flown above the US flag?

The Christian flag may fly above the US flag only "during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy" (Flag Code, Section 7c).

What is it called when the flag is all the way up?

In American English, a flag flown halfway up its flagpole as a symbol of mourning is at half-staff, and a flag flown halfway up a ship's mast to signal mourning or distress is at half-mast.

Is it illegal to hang a flag upside down?

The FBI rep said there is no law against flying the flag upside down. The Flag Code clearly states that the American flag is not to be flown upside down "except as a signal of dire distress in instance of extreme danger to life or property."

Can I fly the White Ensign in my garden?

The White Ensign is for the exclusive use of the Royal Navy, and for private citizens to fly it on land is inappropriate, and on sea definitely illegal. It certainly is subject to controls on land.

Does Australia have two flags?

Australia has three official flags: the Australian National Flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag. Each state of territory also has its own flag.

Who made Indian flag?

Who designed the national flag? The Indian tricolour was designed by Pingali Venkayya, who was a freedom fighter and was a follower of Mahatma Gandhi. While Pingali Venkayya designed the tricolour, on his design, the Indian flag is based.

Who was the first President of India?

The Constitution was framed by the Constituent Assembly of India, established by the members of the provincial assemblies elected by the people of India. Dr Sachidanand Sinha was the first president of the Constituent Assembly. Later, Dr Rajendra Prasad was elected its president.