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February 04. 2016 12:01AM Since You Asked: Why does the flag fly at half-staff? 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. http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20160204/NEWS/160209875 © 2016 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->