What does a Canadian flag at half-mast mean?
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What does a Canadian flag at half-mast mean?
The half-masting of national flags is a well-established procedure whereby countries bestow an honour and express a collective sense of sorrow.
When can the Canadian flag be flown at half-mast?
As per the Rules for Half-masting the National Flag of Canada (Section 11). When half-masting occurs at the National War Memorial or a place where remembrance is being observed, the half-masting can occur at 11:00 a.m. (or according to the prescribed order of service) until sunset.
Why are flags in Toronto at half-mast?
All flags on official flagpoles at Toronto City Hall, East York Civic Centre, Etobicoke Civic Centre, York Civic Centre, North York Civic Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre, and Metro Hall will be flown at half-mast on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 to recognize the passing of former East York Councillor John Papadakis, who …
What’s the difference between half-mast and half-staff?
The term “half-mast” is preferred by dictionaries and seems more appropriate at sea (as ships have masts). “Half-staff” seems more appropriate on land, and is the preferred term used in the Flag Code and in Presidential proclamations. We call it a draw. The two terms may be used interchangeably for general use.
Why are the flags flying at half-staff?
The president may order the flag to be flown at half-staff to mark the death of other officials, former officials, or foreign dignitaries. In addition to these occasions, the president may order half-staff display of the flag after other tragic events.
Can you fly a flag at half-mast for anyone?
No. According to the Flag Code, only the President of the United States, your state’s Governor, and the Mayor of the District of Columbia can order the US flag lowered to half-staff. If everyone were to half-staff the US flag at will, the symbolic value of that honor would be lost.
Why are the flags at half-mast today Ontario?
Passing of Former Alderman Ernie Martin Flags at City Hall will be flown at half-mast in memory of former Alderman Ernie Martin (January 1974 to December 1976), who passed away on March 6, 2022.
Why are flags in Ottawa at half-mast?
The flags at all City of Ottawa sites will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, April 28 to commemorate the National Day of Mourning (Workers’ Mourning Day) for persons killed or injured in the workplace.
Why is it called half-mast?
The phrase half-mast means the same thing as half-staff. It refers to a flag flown below the top of a flagpole to indicate mourning. Half-mast, however, refers to flags on ships or naval bases. These are the only places where flags are flown on something called a mast.
Why are flags at half-mast today in Canada 2022?
The flags in South Dundas will fly half mast on June 23, 2022 from sunrise to sunset in honour of the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism. All Government of Canada buildings and establishments across the country, including the Peace Tower in Ottawa will mark this day.
What should you do if a flag touches the ground?
The only time when you should destroy or retire an American flag is when it’s severely soiled or damaged to the point where it’s no longer fitting to display. If your American flag touches the ground, pick it up and reattach it to the flagpole.
Why is the Canadian flag at half-mast April 2022?
The Canadian flag will be flown at half-mast at City Hall today (April 28, 2022) to mark the National Day of Mourning. This memorial day gives Canadians an opportunity each year to remember workers killed or injured in the workplace.
Why are flags at half-mast in St Catharines?
You may have noticed flags flying at half-staff at St Catharines facilities. It’s in memory of Stan Mikita. The NHL Hall of Famer and St. Catharines hockey star died yesterday at the age of 78 after a lengthy illness.
How long should you fly a flag at half-mast?
The flag should fly at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president.
What is it called when the flag is halfway down the pole?
The term “half-mast” refers to the position of a flag when it is halfway between the top and bottom of a flagpole. It can also be referred to as flying “half-staff.” The flag does not have to be exactly halfway in between the flagpole, but it should be far enough down the pole to fit another flag above it.
Why are the flags at half-mast in Quebec?
The flag of Québec is half-masted on a set date for certain commemorations and, in other circumstances, mainly for the death of an important figure, collective mourning or tragic events.
Can you fly a Canadian flag in the US?
What are the rules for flying a foreign flag on its own in the USA? You are absolutely allowed to do this as well. You don’t have to fly the U.S. flag if you want to fly your own country’s flag. There are no specific rules in the Flag Code for flying your own country’s flag!
