Half-mast

Flag flying below the summit of a ship mast, a pole on land, or a pole on a building This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages) This article may have too many section headings. Please help consolidate the article. (November 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) This article may contain excessive or irrelevant examples. Please help improve it by removing less pertinent examples and elaborating on existing ones. (November 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) (Learn how and when to remove this message) The Finnish flag flying at half-mast after the 2011 Norway attacks The American flag flying at half-mast in Buchenwald, Germany, on 19 April 1945 after the death of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt Half-mast or half-staff (American English) is the placement of a flag 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. The tradition of flying the flag at half-mast began in the 17th century. According to some sources, the flag is lowered