How long do you fly a flag at half staff after a soldier has been killed in action?

Question

We had a young soldier killed in our small town and need to know when the flags are returned to their full height.

Answer 1

The flag is used for any veteran during the funeral ceremony as being draped over the coffin with the Union at the head and left shoulder. It is not typically displayed at half-staff for the death of a soldier.

This doesn't mean that displaying the falg at half-staff for soldier doesn't occur, local jurisdictions may do so. There are no flag laws applicable to civilian jurisdictions, only flag rules. Such local use is generally decided locally such as by a mayor.

Display of the flag can be found in the United States Code Title 36, chapter 10 – Patriotic Customs. (note – these are customs not laws as there are no such laws for the flag for civilian use.) The section of the code you are seeking is Section 175 clauses m & n.
•(m) The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff. The flag shall be flown at half-staff thirty days from the death of the President or a former President; ten days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. As used in this subsection -
o(1) the term 'half-staff' means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;
o(2) the term 'executive or military department' means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5; and
o(3) the term 'Member of Congress' means a Senator, a Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
•(n) When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How long do you fly a flag at half staff after a soldier has been killed in action?
We had a young soldier killed in our small town and need to know when the flags are returned to their full height.

Answer 3

Raising the flag to half mast is a symbolic gesture of mourning with and honoring a soldier or any government official died IN LINE OF DUTY. The duration of which depends on who declared the raising of the flag to half mast. In some instances, it can only be once during a flag raising ceremony. Sometimes, the flag can be on the Half Mast until the burial of the dead to show a week-long mourning. It depends on the local authorities or local government in the area.

Answer 4

It is a matter of personal choice, usually a few days to a week. If it is a flag in a public place, it will depend on the city council.

Answer 5

the other day was for Lady Bird Johnson. but when i see it at half staff, i think it should be that way until we're out of iraq, or the year 2550, whichever comes first. i also think that as long as bushdick is in office, the flag should be flown upsidedown. (that is the international signal of distress, we're in trouble, help us, etc.)

Answer 6

Check with local police ,fire,or courthouse.They know when and how long to keep a flag at half-mast.

Answer 7

30 days from funeral shows the most respect

Answer 8

30 days after the funeral