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
New York : January 21, 2021 - In Honor & Tribute to New York Army National Guard
"I am devastated by the news tonight of a New York Army National Guard helicopter crash in the Town of Mendon that killed three of New York's bravest during a training mission.
"National Guard members are our citizen soldiers who voluntarily serve and protect both here and abroad, and I extend prayers and condolences from all New Yorkers to the family, loved ones and fellow soldiers of these honorable heroes who we will never forget.
"I am directing that flags on all State buildings be lowered to half-staff tomorrow in honor of and in tribute to these New Yorkers who dedicated their service to nation and state."
South Carolina : January 20, 2021 - In tribute to Lance Corporal Melton Gore
Governor Henry McMaster orders that the flags on all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, in tribute to Lance Corporal Melton Gore of the Horry County Police Department, who died in the line of duty. Governor McMaster requests that flags over buildings of the political subdivisions of this State similarly be flown at half-staff for this purpose.
New Mexico : January 19 - 21, 2021- In honor of Sen. James White
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday ordered state flags to half-staff in memory of the late Sen. James White, who died late last week.
Flags are ordered to half-staff beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, through sundown Thursday, Jan. 21.
The governor issued the following statement on Saturday:
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Jim White. He was an honorable public servant. He served his country as a member of the Air Force and his state as a representative and later senator. His district was well-served by his willingness to put his constituents before party interests. I offer my condolences to his family and friends, and my prayers are with those who loved him.”
Vermont : January 19, 2021 - In honor of COVID-19 Victims
Governor Scott's Tweet from 01/18/21:
Tomorrow marks 10 months since Vermont's first confirmed fatalities from COVID-19. In honor of the memories of the Vermonters we have lost to this terrible disease, I have ordered flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset.
Ohio : January 18, 2021 through Interment (Date Unknown) - In honor of Toledo Police Officer Brandon Stalker
In honor of the life and service of Toledo Police Officer Brandon Stalker who was killed in the line of duty today, Governor DeWine has ordered that all U.S. and Ohio flags be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Lucas County and at the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus. Flags shall remain lowered until sunset on the day of Officer Stalker's funeral. All other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may fly the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio at half-staff at their discretion for the same time period.
Maryland : January 16 through Interment (Date Unknown) - In honor of Senate President Emeritus Miller
Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement: “Maryland has lost one of its most revered leaders, and I have lost a dear lifelong friend. “Serving the people of our great state was Mike Miller’s life’s work, and he did so with unrelenting passion and courage for a remarkable 50 years. Even as he waged a hard-fought battle with cancer, I was blessed to continue to benefit from Mike’s wisdom and trademark humor. He was, in every sense, a lion of the Senate. “The First Lady and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to President Miller’s wife, Patti, their five children and 15 grandchildren, his Senate colleagues, and all who loved him. “Effective immediately, Maryland flags will fly at half-staff in honor of Senate President Emeritus Miller’s distinguished life and legacy until sunset on the day of interment.”
Wyoming : January 14, 2021 - In honor and memory of Donald Lawler. Mr. Lawler
Governor Mark Gordon has ordered the Wyoming State Flag be flown at half staff at the Capitol in Cheyenne and in Laramie County from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, January 14, 2021 in honor and memory of Donald Lawler. Mr. Lawler served in the Wyoming Senate from 1995-1998. He passed away January 6. Please note that this notice is only for the Wyoming State Flag and only at two locations in the state - at the Capitol Building and in Laramie County. Other flags should remain at full-staff.
Entire United States : January 10, 2021 - January 13, 2021
Presidential Proclamation on Honoring United States Capitol Police Officers
Issued on: January 10, 2021
As a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of United States Capitol Police Officers Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, and all Capitol Police Officers and law enforcement across this great Nation, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order 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 until sunset, January 13, 2021. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time 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 tenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
South Carolina : January 8, 2021- In tribute to Sergeant Gordon W. Best
Governor Henry McMaster orders that the flags on all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Friday, January 8, 2021, in tribute to Sergeant Gordon W. Best of the North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety, who died in the line of duty. Governor McMaster requests that flags over buildings of the political subdivisions of this State similarly be flown at half-staff for this purpose.
Wyoming : January 7, 2021 - In honor and memory of Jack Van Mark
Wyo. - Governor Mark Gordon has ordered the Wyoming State Flag be flown at half staff at the Capitol in Cheyenne and in Goshen County from sunrise to sunset on January 7, 2021 in honor and memory of Jack Van Mark. Mr. Van Mark served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1961-1965. He passed away December 23. Please note that this notice is only for the Wyoming State Flag and only at two locations in the state - at the Capitol Building and in Goshen County. Other flags should remain at full-staff.
Kansas : January 7, 2021 - in honor of the Kansans who have lost their lives to COVID-19
Kansas surpassed 3,000 Kansas deaths due to COVID-19. In honor of the lives lost and the families they left behind, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state Thursday, January 7, 2021, from sunup to sundown. “It is with great sadness that I am once again ordering flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the Kansans who have lost their lives to COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration remains committed to fighting further spread of COVID-19, and I know Kansans will do their part to protect their neighbors and loved ones.”
Wyoming : January 6, 2021 - In honor and memory of Pat Childers
Governor Mark Gordon has ordered the Wyoming State Flag be flown at half staff at the Capitol in Cheyenne and in Park County from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 in honor and memory of Pat Childers. Mr. Childers, a resident of Cody, served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1997-2012. He passed away December 26, 2020. Please note that this notice is only for the Wyoming State Flag and only at two locations in the state - at the Capitol Building and in Park County. Other flags should remain at full-staff.
Wyoming : January 6, 2021 - In honor and memory of H.L. Jensen
Governor Mark Gordon has ordered the Wyoming State Flag be flown at half staff at the Capitol in Cheyenne and in Teton County from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 in honor and memory of H.L. Jensen. Mr. Jensen served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1975-1990 and was House Minority Floor Leader from 1983-1990. He passed away December 22, 2020. Please note that this notice is only for the Wyoming State Flag and only at two locations in the state - at the Capitol Building and in Teton County. Other flags should remain at full-staff.
Wisconsin : January 5, 2021 - In honor of former Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson
Governor Evers ordered U.S. & Wisconsin flags to half-staff January 5, 2021 in honor of former Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson. Read Executive order #98
