National and State-Targeted Half-Staff & Back-to-Full-Staff TEXT ALERTS
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Half-Staff Alerts & Honorees for April 9th
*** Reminder: The Flag orders, by government officials (President, Governor, etc.) are for flags at government facilities within thatofficial's jurisdiction. Citizens are encouraged, but not required to follow the orders.
*** Reminder: The Flag orders, by government officials (President, Governor, etc.) are for flags at government facilities within thatofficial's jurisdiction. Citizens are encouraged, but not required to follow the orders.
STATE of MD Flags across MARYLAND (MD: Mar. 26 - TBD): Maryland's Governor ordered the STATE of Maryland flag at all government / public facilities across the state to half-staff until further notice, to half-staff until further notice, in honor of the victims who tragically lost their lives (6 feared dead so far) as a result of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse that occurred today, Tuesday, March 26, 2024. CLICK HERE to read the Governor's Flag order.
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order at sunset and all future Maryland Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order at sunset and all future Maryland Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
Upcoming Half-Staffs
All Flags atop State Capitol of SOUTH DAKOTA (SD: Apr. 20): South Dakota's Governor ordered all flags atop the State Capitol to half-staff, from sunrise to sunset, on Sat., Apr. 20, in honor of former state legislator Burton “Burt” Elliot, who represented Brown County in the South Dakota State House of Representatives from 2001-2008. CLICK HERE to read the Governor's Flag order.
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order at sunset and all future South Dakota Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order at sunset and all future South Dakota Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
GO CLICK HERE to see the completed National and State Half-Staff Orders in 2024
Half-Staff Flag Etiquette (Procedures):
Flag-raising at sunrise = hoist the Flags to full staff, then lower slowly, respectfully to half-staff
Flag-lowering at sunset = hoist Flags up from half-staff back to full-staff, then lower slowly, respectfully all the way down for removal
Flag-raising at sunrise = hoist the Flags to full staff, then lower slowly, respectfully to half-staff
Flag-lowering at sunset = hoist Flags up from half-staff back to full-staff, then lower slowly, respectfully all the way down for removal
Stars & Stripes Flag Etiquette:
The U.S. Flag Code:
provides Our Flag's Rules and Regulations (CLICK HERE for full details)
[HIGHLIGHTS OF: The U.S. Flag Code stating how citizens should conduct themselves during this ceremony is below.]
Title 36, Chapter 10 PATRIOTIC CUSTOMS
National anthem; Star-Spangled Banner, conduct during playing:
During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.
Note: A new law was passed on October 30, 2008 that authorizes veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem. This publication is currently being updated to reflect the new law.
Pledge of Allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery:
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.