Half-Mast vs Half-Staff
Difference, Examples & Quiz
What's the difference? Which one is correct?
Definition: Half-mast refers to the position of a flag when it is lowered to halfway down the flagpole. It is typically done as a sign of mourning or respect.
Usage: Half-mast is used to show respect or mourning for a national tragedy or the death of a prominent figure.
- 1. The flags were flown at half-mast to honor the victims of the terrorist attack.
- 2. The president ordered the flags to be flown at half-mast in memory of the fallen soldiers.
- 3. The school lowered the flag to half-mast to remember a beloved teacher who passed away.
Definition: Half-staff refers to the position of a flag when it is lowered to halfway down the flagpole. It is typically done as a sign of mourning or respect.
Usage: Half-staff is used to show respect or mourning for a national tragedy or the death of a prominent figure.
- 1. The flags were flown at half-staff to honor the victims of the terrorist attack.
- 2. The president ordered the flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of the fallen soldiers.
- 3. The school lowered the flag to half-staff to remember a beloved teacher who passed away.
Half-Mast is a term used to describe a flag flown at half its normal height as a sign of mourning or respect. Half-Staff is the American term for the same practice, specifically referring to the position of the flag on a flagpole. Both terms are used interchangeably, with Half-Staff being more common in the United States and Half-Mast being more common in other English-speaking countries.
Half-Mast vs Half-Staff: 5 Quizzes
1. What is the term for lowering a flag to a position halfway between the top and bottom of the flagpole?
2. What is the term for raising a flag to a position halfway between the top and bottom of the flagpole?
3. During which occasions is the flag typically flown at Half-Mast?
4. When is the flag usually raised to Half-Staff?
5. What is the significance of flying the flag at Half-Mast or Half-Staff?
FAQs
What does Half-Mast mean?
Half-Mast refers to the position of a flag when it is lowered halfway down the flagpole as a sign of respect or mourning.
What does Half-Staff mean?
Half-Staff is the American term for the position of a flag when it is lowered halfway down the flagpole as a sign of respect or mourning.
When is the flag flown at Half-Mast?
The flag is flown at Half-Mast on occasions of national mourning, such as the death of a prominent figure or a national tragedy.
When is the flag flown at Half-Staff?
The flag is flown at Half-Staff in the United States on occasions of national mourning, such as the death of a government official or a day of remembrance.
What is the significance of Half-Mast and Half-Staff?
Lowering the flag to Half-Mast or Half-Staff is a symbolic gesture to honor and remember individuals or events of national importance.