Half-mast

Half-mast  is the common international English term used to describe the practice of flying of a flag below the summit of the flagpole (mast). In many countries this is seen as a symbol of respect, mourning, or distress.

In the US, the generally accepted term for half-mast differs depending on use. The official term for non-nautical use is "half-staff", and otherwise "half-mast". (For US use see below.)

The tradition of flying the flag at half-mast began in the 17th century, perhaps to allow "the invisible flag of death" to fly at the top of the mast—which signified death's presence, power, and prominence. In some countries, for example the UK, and especially in military contexts, a "half-mast" flag is still flown exactly one flag's height down from its normal position, and no lower, to allow for this flag of death. This was the original flag etiquette. It is now standard, especially outside the UK, to fly the flag at halfway down the mast regardless of the size of the flag or hoist. (For modern UK practice see below.)

When hoisting a flag that is to be displayed at half-mast, it should be hoisted to the finial for an instant, then lowered to half-mast. Likewise when it is lowered at the end of the day, it is to be hoisted to the finial for an instant, and then lowered.

Singapore

 * Ong Teng Cheong (February 2002)
 * Wee Kim Wee (October 2005)
 * S. Rajaratnam (20 February 2006)
 * Lim Kim San (October 2006)
 * Goh Keng Swee (20 - 23 May 2010)
 * Toh Chin Chye (7 February 2012)

Selected sites also flew their flags half-mast, but not all: 2006 Singapore attacks, 2009 Singapore attacks, 1st anniversary of 2011 Singapore MRT breakdowns (December 15, 2012).

Schools

 * 1st anniversary of Tampines Secondary School incident (7 May 2013)

Timothy North

 * Tan Ger Cheng (20 September 2009)
 * Dominique Sarron (21 April 2012)

United States

 * Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings - December 2012
 * On the Boston Marathon bombings - 17 April 2013
 * The death of Nelson Mandela - 18 December 2013