Flags flying at half-mast in Colorado: What you should know
Who can give the half-mast command? What types of events receive it? Is there a difference between half-mast and half-mast?
Governor Maura Healey announced that flags in Massachusetts will fly at half-staff on Saturday, August 24, to honor Xavier Powell of Pittsfield.
Powell, a helicopter mechanic, died unexpectedly last Sunday, August 11. He was an active member of the National Guard and stationed at Army Aviation Support Facility 1 at Joint Base Cape Cod. Powell held the rank of specialist and veteran and was proud of his military service.
In honor of Powell and his service to the country, flags will be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset.
Why are the flags flying at half-mast?
According to the official website of the US General Services Administration, flags usually fly at half-mast when the country or a specific state is in mourning. Observances include national tragedies, days of remembrance, and deaths of government or military personnel.
The President, the Governor of a State, or the Mayor of Washington DC may order flags to fly at half-staff.
Half mast vs. half mast
While half-mast refers to lowered flags on land, half-mast refers to those at sea. Both refer to a flag flown below the top of its mast as a sign of respect.
