# When to fly the flag at half mast

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-to-fly-the-flag-at-half-mast/675841>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [December 8, 2013, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-to-fly-the-flag-at-half-mast/675841 "2013-12-08T18:46:46Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 2

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2013, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-to-fly-the-flag-at-half-mast/675841/21 "2013-12-12T01:03:28Z")

</div>

> [@CookingWithGas](#):
>
> With regard to the OP, here is what the [Flag Code](http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/4/7) says. I do not believe it is legally binding but certainly establishes protocol.
> 
> > [@](#):
> >
> > In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag _ **is to be displayed** _ at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law.
> 
> It clearly does not require honorees to be U.S. citizens. The sheriff is being obstinate and making up his own rules. However, he may be legally entitled to do so.

I read “is to be displayed” as a “shall” statement, and therefore a requirement. May not be legally binding, as you say, but if the person making the decision was in the military then that’s an order coming from the Commander-in-Chief, El Jefe. Gotta do it.

Emphasis on “if”, there.

[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-to-fly-the-flag-at-half-mast/675841.md?page=1)