[PBARC] Wondering about the flags being flown at half mast around town?

[WOLF, EARNEST G]

All -

I went to a fast food restaurant and asked why the flag was being flown at have mast, the first response was "for those people down there that died".  When I asked what people where... The response by a second employee was "for the people that died in the hurricane".  The person then said she had asked the same question and this was the only response given.   Well, that made me wonder what the guidelines were for flying a flag at half mast... Here's what I found.  Not saying that it can't be declared by the governor or president but the guidelines don't suggest that this is normal.  Could this now mean that we will be flying the flag at half mast when any area is hit by a natural disaster and there is loss of life?

Official Dates to fly half-mast:

Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15th
Memorial Day, last Monday in May (Flag raised to full staff at noon)
Korean War Veterans Day, July 27th
Patriot Day, September 11th
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7th

If your flag can't fly at Half-Mast:

For flags that can't be lowered, such as those on many homes, the American Legion says that attaching a black ribbon or streamer to the top of the flag is an acceptable alternative. The ribbon should be the same width as a stripe on the flag and the same length as the flag. 

For a wall mounted flag, three black mourning bows should be attached to the top edge of the flag, one at each corner and one in the center.

Other Rules:

Only the President and state Governors can decide when and how long the flag should be flown at half-staff.

Thirty days after the death of a president or former president

Ten days after the death of a vice president, the chief of justice or a retired chief of justice or the speaker of the house of representatives.

Until the burial of an associate justice of the Supreme Court, secretary of a military department, a former vice president, or the governor of a state, territory, or possession.

On the day of and the day after the death of a member of Congress.

On Memorial Day, the day set aside to honor all the people who have died while serving the United States & originally called Decoration Day, the flag is flown at half-mast until noon, then raised to full staff until sundown.

Q: Is the flag only flown at half-staff in respect to the memory of government officials?

NO.  The president can direct that the flag be flown at half-staff as a symbol of respect for great Americans who are noted for their non-government service and achievement.

Q.  Is the flag only flown at half-staff in respect to the memory of U.S. citizens?

NO.  The president can direct that the flag be flown at half-staff as a symbol of respect for other officials and foreign dignitaries.  §175m