Flags around Missouri will be at half-staff until sunset on Aug. 31.
President Donald Trump issued the order on Aug. 27 to remember the victims of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. Two children were killed and 17 people were injured as they were attending mass to celebrate the first week of school.
All flags on public grounds will be at half-staff. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to do the same.
More: What we know about Minneapolis shooting suspect Robin Westman
What’s the difference between half-mast and half-staff for flags?
Half-mast is used when the flag is flown from a flagpole, typically referring to a ship mast or similar structures, according to Federal Flags. Half-mast means the flag is flown two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the flagstaff.
Half-staff is the term used for flags on land, particularly in the United States. Half-staff describes a flag that is raised halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole.
When the American flag is flown at half-staff, it conveys a message of respect and mourning. Federal Flags says this custom is most often observed following the death of a government official, military personnel or in response to a national tragedy.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Why are flags at half-staff? Missouri flags lowered for MN shooting