When and why might the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff?

• A. On all weekends.
• B. During national celebrations.
• C. During peacetime.
• D. In mourning for national or public figures or in response to tragedies, by presidential proclamation or state law.

Answer: (D)

Flying the flag at half-staff is a formal sign of mourning and solemn respect. It’s used when the nation wants to honor someone who has served the country or in response to tragedies, and it is authorized by presidential proclamation or by state law. That’s why the description stating mourning for national or public figures or in response to tragedies, enacted through a presidential proclamation or state law, best captures when and why half-staff is used. It isn’t a routine practice for weekends, celebrations, or peacetime. The authority can come from the President for national mourning or from governors for state-level mourning, with the exact dates and times set in the proclamation or law.