The U.S. flag over the White House flies at half-staff to honor former President Gerald R. Ford Dec. 27, 2006 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Getty Images Flags across the country were set to be flown at half-staff Thursday in honor of the late John Glenn, who in 1962 became the first American to orbit the planet. read more
So here's a page we found to explain when flags should be flown at half staff. Oh, and notice we say half staff, not half mast. Only boats and ships have masts. read more
United States Flag Code. Section 7.M The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then slowly lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. read more