SUBJECT:  Flag

QUESTION:     Why is the flag flown at half-staff to honor someone who has died?

ANSWER:

The flag at half-staff, originally unconnected to death, comes from an old naval ritual.  When a ship lost a battle, the crew was obliged to fly the winner's pennant from the top of their mast.  In order to make room for it, the losing captain ordered his own flag lowered halfway.  By implication, this gesture of respect was also a symbol of loss. Even after this custom faded, captains might dip their flag to a passing ship as a sign of respect, like tipping one's cap.  Eventually the practice was adopted to honor the dead.