American Flag at Half-Staff for the Pope
April 4, 2005
FLAGINFORM from the Flag Research Center
By presidential proclamation George W. Bush has required the half-staffing of the United States flag in commemoration of the death of Pope John Paul II. All federal government and military buildings, and navy vessels throughout the country and its territories, are affected. The flag is to remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of the pope’s interment.
Flags flown by state, city, and other non-federal government buildings may be ordered lowered by responsible authorities. Private individuals, businesses, non-profits, etc. may half-staff flags at their own discretion. When the United States flag is half-staffed, all other flags flown with it in a given display should likewise be half-staffed for the duration.