To place your flag at half-staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant, then lower it to a position halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half-staff until noon and at full-staff from noon to sunset.  When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the star field at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave.

In the event of the death of principal figures of the US government and the governor of the state, territory or possession, the president may order the US flag to be flown at half-staff  in respect for their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the US flag is displayed at half-staff in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. 

The governor of a state, territory or possession of the United States may proclaim that the national flag be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a present or former official of that state, territory or possession.