When a flag is flown at half mast, it's typically raised to the top of the pole for a moment, then lowered to the halfway point. It's like a ceremonial salute, but instead of using guns or swords, we're using flags. The flag is then kept at half mast for a specified amount of time, which can vary depending on the occasion and the country.
Why are flags at half-mast today?
But who gets to decide when the flags should be lowered? In the United States, for example, it's typically the President who makes the call. They'll issue a proclamation, which is like a official decree, saying that flags should be flown at half mast for a certain amount of time. It's a pretty big deal, and it's not taken lightly.