The "Flag of Death" flying at the top

On the holy Memorial Day celebration on the 27th day of May in 2024, the United States will respectfully lower its flag. We honor and remember the courageous people who gave their lives in service of our great country in the military operations on this beautiful day. Flying half-mast between the break of dawn and high noon, the flag is raised to full mast till the sun sets.

Often employed by nations or organizations to show respect and mourning after major tragedies such as natural disasters or the passing of a notable person, flying the flag at half-mast is a melancholy custom. Apart from honoring the great memory of the departed, this custom significantly influences historical culture, national cohesiveness, and international relations.

Flying the flag at half mast began in the European naval in about the 17th century. The earliest known incident was in 1612, when the British Navy lowered the ship's flag to half-mast to show their loss upon the commander's death. This custom then moved from marine environments to terrestrial ones and became generally accepted, therefore becoming a norm for nations and businesses to show their sympathy.

The cultural setting influences the elements for judgments on flag-lowering.

• United States

A presidential or governor's proclamation defines the American protocol for lowering the flag to half-mast. Important national holidays such as Memorial Day, terrible natural catastrophes, and the passing of notable people are often commemorated with them. Memorial Day marks the United States lowering the flag to half-mast in respect of the courageous men and women who lost their lives defending our country. Should the tragic event of the death of a well-known national leader, military officer, or renowned person occur, the president will also order the flag to be lowered to a position halfway down the arbor.

• United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, half-mast etiquette is mostly observed by members of the royal family, eminent foreign visitors, and national leaders—not by everyone. Usually, the British government or the royal family decides whether to fly the flag to half-mast; they meticulously decide the precise time and duration for this somber action. The United Kingdom will also lower the flag to half-mast for significant world events to show sympathy and support for the victims and their families. The United Kingdom lowered its flag around April 2021 as a sign of respect and remembering for Prince Philip.

• China

The State Council or local administrations decide to lower the flag to half-mast in China. Usually, it marks significant national events, tragedies, and the passing of revered leaders who governed their countries. The flag was flown at half-mast nationwide on National Day of Mourning to memorialize the Wenchuan earthquake victims. Moreover, on April 4, 2020, the flag was respectfully lowered to half-staff all around in honor of the brave men and women who sadly lost their lives early on from the terrible COVID-19 epidemic.

• Japan

In Japan, traditional half-mast celebrations honor the emperor, members of the royal family, and eminent national personalities. The Japanese government will formally declare the precise time and location to comply with the relevant conditions, lowering the flag to half-mast. Lowering the flag to half-mast has enormous meaning in Japan as a statement of respect and group grief for the nation. Following the announcement of Emperor Akihito's abdication and the subsequent imperial funeral, the whole nation of Japan lowered its flag to half-mast in April 2019 as a show of great respect and memory for Empress Kojun.

• Australia

The federal government sets the rules controlling the half-mast flag used in Australia. Usually hoisted as a memorial for the prime minister, the head of state, and those impacted by significant events, this flag On ANZAC Day, Australia lowers the flag to half-mast to honor the war dead. People nationwide lower their flags to half-staff on this day to honor the courageous lives given up. Government offices, educational institutions, and public locations around Australia lower their flags to half-staff on the 25th day of April in honor of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops who perished in World War I.

Strict operational guidelines also exist to help to decrease the flag.

Raise the flag to the highest point of the flagpole to express respect and honor for the nation or organization.

To show compassion, gently lower the flag to half-mast from the top of the flagpole, moving slowly halfway or one-third of its height.

Once the bereavement time expires, climb to the highest point again and then down. After the funeral, hoist the flag to its highest position, then lower it. This approach shows great respect for the departed and wonder for life.

A serious and respectful ritual, lowering the flag to half-mast expresses people's respect for life, history, and grief for the dead. This custom helps the nation and its people communicate their shared loss and honor the dead. Whether living in the wide expanse of history or current society, lowering the flag to half-mast is a vital etiquette that shows the profound emotions of mankind for life, history, and culture. Apart from the customary custom, lowering the flag to half-mast is a major marker of culture and spirituality. It will keep spreading the value of solidarity, respect, and grief around the globe.