HALF-STAFF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should the flag be flown at half-staff?
What is the proper procedure to fly your flag at half-staff?
Who can order half-staffing?
What about half-staff to honor other citizens?
What if you can't lower your flag?
HALF - STAFF ALERTS
January I February I March I April I May I June
ONGOING HALF-STAFF FOR COVID-19
ILLINOIS: April 17 until Further Notice - In Honor of COVID-19 Victims
MICHIGAN: April 10 until Further Notice - In Honor of COVID-19 Victims
CONNECTICUT: April 9, 2020 until Further Notice - In Honor of COVID-19 Victims
NEW YORK - April 8, 2020 until Further Notice - In Honor of COVID-19 Victims
PENNSYLVANIA: April 8, 2020 until Further Notice - In Honor of COVID-19 Victims Governor Tom Wolf ordered
NEW JERSEY: April 3, 2020 until Further Notice - In honor of COVID 19 Victims
MINNESOTA: May 18 & 20, 2020 Every Month Through End Of year - In honor of COVID-19 Victims
ARIZONA: July 31, 2020 - In honor of Arizona National Guard member and Phoenix Police Officer Robert Dwayne Bryant Jr.
Governor Doug Ducey has ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Friday, July 31, 2020, to honor Arizona National Guard member and Phoenix Police Officer Robert Dwayne Bryant Jr., who died on Wednesday at a Tempe hospital following a training event.
Army 2nd Lieutenant Bryant was a traditional Guard member and assigned to the 850th Military Police Battalion of the Arizona National Guard located at Papago Park Military Reservation. He was commissioned through Arizona State University’s Reserve Officer Training Course in 2019. He was the recipient of the Minuteman Scholarship through the National Guard. Prior to commissioning, Bryant enlisted in the National Guard at the age of 17 serving as a Military Police Officer.
As a civilian, Bryant was also a member of the Phoenix Police Department, where he served since 2017.
“Arizona is deeply saddened by the loss of Army 2nd Lieutenant Robert Dwayne Bryant Jr.,” said Governor Ducey. “Bryant made service his calling, as a citizen-soldier of the Arizona National Guard and Phoenix Police Officer. He carried out his duties with excellence and honor — a model of what it truly means to serve one’s country and communities. His tragic loss is felt by many throughout our state. My deepest condolences go out to Bryant’s family, loved ones, and all those who served alongside him. In honor of his life and service, I’ve ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff.”
Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
ENTIRE UNITED STATES: July 18 - 19, 2020 - In honor of Representative John Lewis
Presidential Proclamation on the Death of John Lewis Issued on: July 18, 2020
As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding public service of Representative John Lewis, of Georgia, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions through July 18, 2020. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
SOUTH CAROLINA: July 17, 2020 - In honor of former Adjutant General Stanhope S. Spears, Sr.
Governor Henry McMaster orders that the flags atop the State Capitol Building be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Friday, July 17, 2020, in honor of former Adjutant General Stanhope S. Spears, Sr. and in recognition of his extraordinary legacy and his distinguished service to the State of South Carolina and the United States of America.
ALABAMA: JULY 15, 2020 - In honor of Representative Ronald "Ron" Johnson
Flag Memo Link
ARIZONA: July 14, 2020 - For the Interment of Peoria Police Officer Jason Judd
Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow, July 14, 2020 for the interment of Peoria Police Officer Jason Judd. A husband and a father, Officer Judd was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served with the Peoria Police Department for 21 years.
Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
FLORIDA: July 10, 2020 - In honor of Army Specialist Nick Bravo-Regules
On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, United States Army Specialist Nick Bravo-Regules died in Jordan while supporting operations as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. Regules was assigned to A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. As a mark of respect for United States Army Specialist Nick Bravo-Regules, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at the Pinellas County Court in Clearwater, Florida, the City Hall in Largo, Florida, and at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida from sunrise to sunset on July 10, 2020.
OKLAHOMA: July 9, 2020 - In honor of Tulsa Police Sgt. Craig Vincent Johnson
Governor Kevin Stitt today signed Executive Order 2020-23, calling for all American and Oklahoma flags on State property to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, July 9, 2020 in honor of the life and service of Tulsa Police Sgt. Craig Vincent Johnson. Sgt. Johnson passed away June 30, 2020 at the age of 45, while working in the line of duty for the Tulsa Police Department. “Sgt. Johnson's sacrifice and exemplary service to the Tulsa Police Department and our state will not be forgotten,” said Gov. Stitt.
“We will forever remember the heroism, courage and bravery that he displayed while protecting Tulsa for 15 years. I ask Oklahomans to join the First Lady and me in continuing to pray for his family and fellow officers during this time.” Sgt. Johnson leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Kristi and two sons, Connor and Clinton. His funeral services will take place at Victory Christian Church. Full Honors will be conducted by the Tulsa Police Honor Guard and Tulsa Police Pipes and Drums.
MISSOURI: July 8, 2020 - In honor Lieutenant Ronald W. Wehlage, Jr.
By order of the Governor, all flags of the United States and the flag of Missouri at all government buildings in Jefferson County and at fire houses across the state will be flown at half-staff, on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, from sunrise until sunset in memory of DeSoto Rural Fire Protection District Fire Marshal/Lieutenant Ronald W. Wehlage, Jr. who died in the line of duty. Also, by order of the Governor, the flags of the United States and the flag of Missouri at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City will be flown at half-staff, on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, from sunrise until sunset.
NEVADA: JULY 8, 2020 - In honor of Sergeant Ben Jenkins
Today, by executive order, Governor Steve Sisolak ordered the flags of the United States and the State of Nevada to be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and state public buildings and grounds from sunrise until sunset on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 as a mark of solemn respect and in remembrance of Nevada Highway Patrol Sergeant Ben Jenkins, whose funeral is being held today in Elko.
“The First Lady and I are just as heartbroken today as when we first got word of the loss of Sergeant Jenkins. So, on this day, let us again pay tribute to the memory of a great man who dedicated his life to service,” said Governor Sisolak. “A husband, father, grandfather, and veteran who passed doing what he had always done, protecting others. Although the grief felt throughout the State and especially in the Elko community has been immense, we know that his memory will live on in those that he meant so much to.” The Governor previously ordered the flags to be flown at half-staff from March 27 through March 30. With this order, on the day of his memorial, the State wanted to again recognize Sergeant Jenkins for his commendable service.
ARIZONA: July 8,2020 - In honor of Helicopter Pilot Bryan Boatman
Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state buildings lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Wednesday, July 8, 2020, to honor helicopter pilot Bryan Boatman. A resident of Glendale, Arizona, Boatman was killed Tuesday in a helicopter crash while helping firefighters contain the Polles Fire on the Tonto National Forest in Gila County. Boatman was 37 years old. He is survived by his wife and an 8-year-old child. “This tragic loss is a reminder of the ever-present dangers faced by those battling wildfires,” said Governor Ducey.
“As a helicopter pilot, Bryan Boatman was carrying out a service to the people of Arizona alongside the men and women fighting the Polles Fire. He performed his duty with honor and bravery, and it will be remembered as such by our state. My deepest condolences go out to Bryan’s family and loved ones. Our prayers are with them and all of Arizona’s wildland firefighters working day and night to keep us safe.” “In honor of Bryan’s life, I’ve ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff.” Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
ARIZONA: July 7, 2020 - Interment of Peoria Police Officer Jason Judd
Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow, July 7, 2020 for the interment of Peoria Police Officer Jason Judd who died in the line of duty today after a motorcycle crash. A husband and a father, Officer Judd was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served with the Peoria Police Department for 21 years. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
ALASKA: July 7, 2020 - In honor of State Senator Breene Harimoto
As a mark of respect for the late Hawaiʻi State Senator Breene Harimoto, Gov. David Ige has ordered that the flags of the United States and State of Hawai‘i shall be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard, from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, July 7 – the day of Sen. Harimoto’s memorial service. In addition – on Monday, July 6, the Hawai‘i State flag will be flown at the Hawai‘i State Capitol in honor of Sen. Harimoto, as a gift to his family. “Breene was a true dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly and selflessly for the community he loved, even while fighting his illness,” said Gov. Ige. Sen. Harimoto, 66, died June 18 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He represented District 16 – Pearl City, Momilani, Pearlridge, ‘Aiea, Royal Summit, ‘Aiea Heights, Newtown, Waimalu, Halawa and Pearl Harbor for six years. He also served on the Honolulu City Council for four years and the Board of Education for eight years, two terms as the BOE’s chairman. Sen. Harimoto is survived by his wife Cheryl, three children, three grandchildren, his parents and three siblings.
OHIO: July 5 to 7, 2020 - In honor of Toledo Police Officer Anthony Dia
In honor of the life and service of Toledo Police Officer Anthony Dia, the flags shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds in Lucas County until the day of his funeral. The Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes Tower will also fly flags at half-staff. The funeral services for both Marine Sergeant Wolfgang Kyle Weninger and Toledo Police Officer Anthony Dia will take place on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. All flags may be raised to full staff at sunset on July 7, 2020.
UTAH: July 3, 2020 - In honor of 1st Lt Kenneth Allen
SALT LAKE CITY (July 2, 2020) – Gov. Gary R. Herbert has ordered the lowering of the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of Utah on Friday, July 3, 2020, in honor of the life and service of 1st Lt. Kenneth Allen, who will be laid to rest the following day. Lt. Allen was killed in a plane crash during a U.S. Air Force training exercise on Monday, June 15, 2020. The governor has issued the following statement:
“Today, we honor U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Kenneth Allen for his outstanding service and sacrifice to our nation. He was an outstanding Airman, a dedicated husband and hero to our country. We will miss his eagerness to lift others up and strengthen those in need. We could not be more proud of how he represented Utah to the rest of the world. Jeanette and I send our deepest condolences, support and prayers to Kage’s wife Hannah, to his parents and to the entire Allen family.” Flags will be flown at half-staff at all state facilities and public grounds from sunrise until sunset on Friday, July 3, 2020, only. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and others are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
ARIZONA: July 2, 2020 - In honor of Peoria Police Officer Jason Judd
Governor Doug Ducey today ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow July 2, 2020, to honor Peoria Police Officer Jason Judd. Officer Judd died today following a motorcycle crash while on duty. A husband and a father, Officer Judd was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served with the Peoria Police Department for 21 years.
“Arizona mourns the tragic loss of Peoria Police Officer Jason Judd,” said Governor Ducey. “A 21-year veteran of the Peoria Police Department, Officer Judd put his life on the line every day to keep Arizonans safe. Our prayers are with his family, loved ones and fellow officers. To honor Officer Judd’s life and service, I have ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff.”
