No. 123 1
April 2005
distribution code: PFS, CFS, NFS, DSS, FB, NAVA, NIFDA,
XCFS, XDSS, XFB, Consult, NFB
The Flag Research Center often receives questions concerning proper
protocol in regard to mourning.
In Western tradition black has always been considered the proper
color to symbolize mourning. Occasionally white and/or purple
have been associated with black, but they are neither standard
nor recommended. Bunting, pull-downs, drapery, ribbons, etc.of
black are appropriate. Plain black flags are not recommended since
they have also been used as a symbol of anarchism.
Flags traditionally fly at half-staff as a symbol of mourning,
but there are circumstances where this is inappropriate. When
the length of a flag staff, the permanent attachment
of a flag to a staff, or the existence of obstructions such as
shrubbery or a balcony make it difficult to half staff, attaching
black ribbons above a flag is an alternate mode of expressing
mourning. A ribbon twice the flag length and no more than 10%
the flag width should be tied in a bow above the flag and below
the finial, such that the two resulting streamers correspond roughly
to the flag length (see image below).
Public buildings of all kinds should express mourning only by
the authority of appropriate authorities. For example, in
the case of the death of the pope, mourning on public buildings
in the United States (half-staffing, draping in black) should
be undertaken only if the President issues an executive
order authorizing it. The Flag Research Center will notify
its paid clientele of such an eventuality.
