The lowering of flags to half-staff, a practice also known as half-mast when flown on ships, signifies mourning, respect, or distress. It is a visual signal communicating sorrow to the community. The specific reasons behind this action can vary, often linked to the death of prominent figures, national tragedies, or other events warranting a symbolic expression of grief. For example, flags might be lowered following the passing of a state governor or in remembrance of victims of a national disaster.
Showing flags at half-staff provides a visible, unifying way for individuals and institutions to acknowledge a significant loss or show respect. It serves as a powerful reminder of shared values and communal grief, fostering a sense of solidarity during times of mourning. Historically, the practice is thought to originate from the idea that an invisible “flag of death” flies at the very top of the flagpole, so lowering the national flag creates space for it.