Flags should be flown at half-staff as a symbol of mourning, respect, or distress. In the United States, specific days and occasions designated for flying the flag at half-staff include:

• Memorial Day (from sunrise until noon)
• Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15, unless it coincides with Armed Forces Day, from sunrise to sunset)
• Patriot Day (September 11, from sunrise to sunset)
• National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day (May 4, from sunrise to sunset)
• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7, from sunrise to sunset)

Additionally, the President or state governors can order flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the death of prominent officials or special events. For example, the flag is flown at half-staff for 30 days after the death of a President, for 10 days after the death of a Vice President, and for specific durations after the deaths of other high officials or dignitaries. When flying the American flag at half-staff, it should first be hoisted briskly to the top of the flagpole for a moment before lowering it to the half-staff position and the same procedure used in reverse when lowering it for the day. Half-staff indicates respect or mourning and is observed on specific commemorative days and as a directive from the President or governors for notable deaths or events.