In the United States the flags are flown half-staff by order of the President for any amount of time he wishes. However by law 30 days after the death of a current or former president and 10 for vice presidents.
Flags are usually flown at half mast as a sign of mourning when soldiers die in a war such as the Afghanistan war flags are flown at half mast, also if a prominent figure like a president or high official dies
These are the protocols for flying the flag at half mast. On the death of the Sovereign - from the time of announcement of the death up to and including the funeral. On the death of a member of a royal family. On the death of the Governor-General or a former Governor-General. On the death of a distinguished Australian citizen. Flags in any locality may be flown at half-staff on the death of a notable local citizen or on the day, or part of the day, of their funeral. On the death of the head of state of another country with which Australia has diplomatic relations on the day of the funeral. On ANZAC day the flag is flown half-mast until noon. On Remembrance Day flags are flown at peak till 10:30 am, at half-mast from 10:30am to 11:03am.
No
Traditionally this is when someone dies
Flags are flown at half-mast as a sign of respect or mourning, typically authorized by the President or a state governor for federal or state flags respectively. In some cases, private organizations or businesses may choose to fly their flags at half-mast as well.
By convention flags are flown at half mast during a period of official mourning (e.g the death of a national leader or a for national tragedy). It is a mark of respect.
The canadian flag is flown at half mast to represent mourning.
State and national flags were not flown at half mast on Tuesday February 10, 2015.
The flags are flown at half mast to commemorate both the soldiers who fought for ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) at Gallipoli in Turkey in World War I, and all who served military duty for ANZAC.
Only the President or a state Governor can order when and for how long the American flag is to be flown at half-staff on government property.
To show respect or mourning after a death.
A flag is flown at half-mast to indicate a death.