I’ve received the following advice from the Commonwealth Flag Network regarding the Federal Government’s declaration of a National Day of Mourning on Thursday 7th August 2014 & forward it for information….
To All Flag Marshals: Action Australia-wide and at Australian Overseas Posts
Australian National Flag to fly at half-mast
National Day of Mourning
and
National Memorial Service
for the victims of flight MH17
Thursday 7 August 2014
The Australian Government has declared Thursday 7 August 2014 to be a National Day of Mourning to honour the innocent victims of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
As a mark of respect and mourning to those who lost their lives, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Thursday 7 August 2014 from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations are welcome to participate.
In accordance with flag protocol, all flags and ensigns at each flag station should be flown at half-mast during daylight hours. However, should it be the custom to fly the flags of other nations at your flag station, it would be appropriate to seek permission from the diplomatic representatives of that nation to half-mast their flag.
Further information on the protocols for half-masting the Australian National Flag is at http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/symbols/flag.cfm.
A National Memorial Service is to take place at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne, at 10.30 am on Thursday 7 August 2014. For information about the service please email MemorialService@pmc.gov.au.
Thank you for your assistance.
Commonwealth Flag Officer
1 August 2014