Tributes will be visible nationwide on one of the few occasions when the entire country observes a shared federal tradition.

"It almost seems like the president," said a local of the Kristen Yeager mass tribute. "It’s tremendous how many people are ...

While some local directives are tied to individual losses, nationwide observances carry broader significance.

There's a specific way flags are to be lowered to the half-staff position.

There are five designated days when the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff throughout the United States. The president and Florida's governor also can order flags to be flown at half-staff. There are ...