From California post offices to the state capital, flags are flying at half-staff around the state to honor the life and legacy of U.S. President Jimmy Carter following his death in December at age 100.
President Joe Biden issued a proclamation commemorating the 39th president and ordering U.S. flags at all public buildings, facilities and naval vessels to be flown at half-staff for 30 days of mourning.
Why do flags fly at half-staff?
U.S. flags typically fly at half-staff in the wake of national tragedies or after the deaths of government officials, military members, or first responders. They also fly half-staff during Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance.”The United States flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning,” USA.gov says. “The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.”
What’s the difference between half-staff and half-mast
The difference between half-staff and half-mast depends on where the flag flies. The terms are often used interchangeably, but half-staff refers to a flag hanging halfway up on a flag pole on land, while half-mast pertains to a flag flying halfway up the mast on a ship at sea.
In honor of former President Jimmy Carter, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Here’s why California flags are at half-mast