The United States is a country that has experienced a slew of ups and downs. Certain events imprint themselves on our national consciousness forever, and we honor and mourn these events as pivotal points in our history.
The American flag is ingrained in our society as a symbol of something greater than ourselves. Without it, the world would look a lot different. In fact, we use it as an indicator that something tragic has happened by flying it at half-mast. So when and why exactly do we fly our flags at half-mast in America? Read on to find out.
Why Do We Fly Our Flags Half-Mast?
Flying our flag at half-mast means the flag flies halfway below the top of a ship mast, a flagpole on land, or a flagpole on a building. In most cases, it’s a sign of mourning—a tragedy has occurred, and flying the flag at half-mast honors the people who fell during that tragedy. For instance, we lower the flag to half-mast to commemorate 9/11 and Pearl Harbor.
States and territories in the United States are also ordered to lower all flags to half-mast when a well-known state official dies. A perfect example of this is when General Colin Powell—a notable member of the Bush administration and decorated four-star general—passed away in 2021.
What’s the History of Flying Our Flags at Half-Mast?
The earliest reference of flags flown at half-mast occurred in the 1600s, when the captain of Heart’s Ease—a British ship—died en route to Canada. To honor him, the crew ordered its flag to be flown at half-mast. The tradition has carried on ever since.
What Should We Do When We See a Flag at Half-Mast?
Express your condolences and concern by checking in on others and seeing how they’re feeling. This is one of the most important reasons we fly our flags at half-mast—it evokes the compassion and empathy of the American people.
To conclude, flying a flag at half-mast should activate our reserves of compassion. It should be a time of reflection when we try to put ourselves in the shoes of the people affected by the event. Without the compassionate concern that the flag evokes, we wouldn’t be able to use that opportunity to act within our better nature.
Why We Change the Clocks: Daylight Saving Time Explained
Reminder: Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday. Most regions will move clocks one hour forward at 2:00 a.m.
What Is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of moving clocks forward by one hour during the warmer months
to extend evening daylight and then moving them back again in the cooler months. The original idea was to
conserve energy by aligning human activity with natural daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Today, DST is also justified by some as a way to support retail, tourism, and outdoor activities in the evening,
though its benefits and drawbacks are increasingly debated.
Kitchen trends move fast. One year, bold greens dominate design feeds. The next, warm terracotta steals attention. Yet certain colors continue to anchor homes decade after decade. Homeowners seeking timeless cabinet shades that never go out of style often want longevity, flexibility, and resale appeal without sacrificing personality.
Keeping your place safe doesn’t need a full security overhaul or a pile of expensive gadgets. There are simple things you can do to secure your home that fit into a weekend, a free evening, or even a spare hour. A few smart upgrades make your house harder to mess with and help you feel more relaxed every time you lock up.
When traffic packs in around big rigs, it is easy to tense up and wonder, “is it dangerous to drive beside a semi-truck"? The answer isn’t black and white. A few real risks exist, but a lot of protections stand between you and the worst-case scenarios on the highway.
A quinceañera marks an important milestone that celebrates tradition, family, and a young woman’s transition into adulthood. Planning such a meaningful event takes effort, coordination, and attention to detail. With proper preparation and clear planning, families can organize a memorable event that flows smoothly from the ceremony to the final dance. Here are some must-know tips on how to ensure a quinceañera goes off perfectly.
