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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Colorado lawmakers reject right-to-die bill ... Runners give to Ragsdale's loved ones ... Medford's Castille Armory is on the cutting edge for sword lovers ... Colorado lawmakers reject right-to-die bill ... Runners give to Ragsdale's loved ones ... Medford's Castille Armory is on the cutting edge for sword lovers ... SINCE YOU ASKED Since You Asked: Why does the flag fly at half-staff? Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Feb. 4, 2016 at 12:01 AM Posted Feb. 4, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News Recently I saw the flag at half-mast and it got me thinking. When did we start raising the flag at half-mast? What was the original reason? — Joyce L., Medford Half-mast, or half-staff, refers to a flag flying below the summit on a pole. This is seen as a symbol of respect, mourning or distress in many countries. The tradition of flying the flag at half-staff began in the 17th century in what is now modern-day Canada. Some sources say the flag is lowered to make room for an “invisible flag of death” flying above. In the United States, the president (or a governor, for that matter) issues a order to fly the flag at half-staff upon the death of certain important figures of the government and others. This is to show respect to their memory. Joyce, the Since You Asked team has an additional nugget of information for you. In the United States, the correct non-nautical term is half-staff. Despite the fact that most people use the term half-mast, United States law and military tradition indicate half-mast is reserved to usage on a ship. Pass on this information if you ever want to impress your friends — as long as you’re not aboard a ship when you do. Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected]. We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Feb. 4, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501