<P> Governors of U.S. states and territories are authorized by federal law to order all U.S. and state flags in their jurisdiction flown at half - staff as a mark of respect for a former or current state official who has died, or for a member of the armed forces who has died in active duty . The governor's authority to issue the order is more restricted than the president's, and does not include discretion to issue the order for state residents who do not meet the criteria stated . Since a governor's executive order affects only his or her state, not the entire country, these orders are distinguished from presidential proclamations . </P> <P> Under 4 U.S.C. § 7 (m) and established traditions by Presidential proclamations, the flag of the United States is to be flown at half - staff on rare occasions, in the following circumstances: </P> <Ul> <Li> For thirty days after the death of a current or former president or president - elect, as occurred after the death of President Reagan and the death of President Ford . </Li> <Li> For ten days after the death of a current vice president, current or retired chief justice, or current Speaker of the House of Representatives . </Li> <Li> 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, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, or the governor of a state, territory, or possession . </Li> <Li> On the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress . </Li> <Li> On Memorial Day until noon . </Li> <Li> Every September 11 in remembrance of the September 11 attacks . </Li> <Li> Upon presidential proclamation, usually after the death of other notable figures or tragic events . </Li> </Ul> <Li> For thirty days after the death of a current or former president or president - elect, as occurred after the death of President Reagan and the death of President Ford . </Li>

How long should flags be at half staff
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