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
OHIO: February 24, 2021 through Interment (Date Unknown - In honor of Officer Jason Lagore
In honor of the life and service of Ohio Department of Natural Resources Officer Jason Lagore, Governor DeWine has ordered that the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds in Highland County, and at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus. Flags should remain lowered until sunset on the day of Officer Lagore's funeral.
All other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may fly U.S. and Ohio flags at half-staff at their discretion for the same time period.
This order will run concurrently with yesterday’s order to lower flags in honor of the more than 500,000 Americans who died due to COVID-19. Flags on public buildings and grounds in Highland County and at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower should remain lowered after February 26, 2021, if Officer Lagore’s funeral has not yet taken place.
ENTIRE UNITED STATES: February 22 until 26, 2021
A Proclamation on Remembering the 500,000 Americans Lost to COVID-19
As of this week during the dark winter of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 500,000 Americans have now died from the virus. That is more Americans who have died in a single year of this pandemic than in World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War combined. On this solemn occasion, we reflect on their loss and on their loved ones left behind. We, as a Nation, must remember them so we can begin to heal, to unite, and find purpose as one Nation to defeat this pandemic. In their memory, the First Lady and I will be joined by the Vice President and the Second Gentleman for a moment of silence at the White House this evening. I ask all Americans to join us as we remember the more than 500,000 of our fellow Americans lost to COVID-19 and to observe a moment of silence at sunset.
I also hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on 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 February 26, 2021. 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 twenty-second day of February, 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.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
Florida: February 23, 2021 - in honor of Pinellas County Sheriffs deputy Michael Magli.
Governor DeSantis ordered U.S. & Florida flags at the Pasco County Courthouse, the Pinellas County Courthouse, and the State Capitol Building to half-staff February 23, 2021 in honor of Pinellas County Sheriffs deputy Michael Magli.
Pennsylvania: February 22, 2021 - In honor of firefighter Phillip C. Ginter
Governor Tom Wolf ordered the commonwealth flag on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds in Snyder County to immediately be flown at half-staff in honor of firefighter Phillip C. Ginter of the Rescue Hose Company of Beavertown, who died in the line of duty on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021. The commonwealth flag has flown at half-staff since Wednesday, March 11, 2020, in honor of the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic and should continue to fly at half-staff until further notice. The United States flag is to remain at full-staff. All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.
New Jersey: February 22, 2021 - In recognition of the passing of Senator Gerry Cardinale
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy today ordered that the U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Monday, February 22, 2021, in recognition of the passing of Senator Gerry Cardinale.
“Tammy and I were extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Gerry Cardinale, a true public servant,” said Governor Murphy. “Senator Cardinale’s 54-year record of public service to the state of New Jersey speaks to the level of trust his constituents placed in him. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues in the Legislature. All flags will be lowered to half-staff on Monday when the Senate returns to session.”
Maryland: February 20, 2021 - In honor of the anniversary of Frederick Douglass death.
Civil Rights Heroes Day Governor Larry Hogan today issued a proclamation that recognizes February 20, the anniversary of Frederick Douglass’ death, as Civil Rights Heroes Day for the first time in Maryland history. At the governor’s direction, the Maryland flag will be lowered to half-staff to mark the occasion.
“As we commemorate Black History Month, I am proud to honor the lives and legacies of Maryland’s iconic civil rights leaders, including Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Thurgood Marshall,” said Governor Hogan. “It is my hope that we continue to reflect on the countless contributions of these remarkable leaders, and to continuously fight for unity, equality, and justice.” Last February, Governor Hogan was proud to unveil statues of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman in the Old House of Delegates Chamber of the Maryland State House.
Kansas: February 13 until 22, 2021 - In honor of Kansas Senator Bud Estes
In accordance with Executive Order 20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed U.S. flags to be lowered at half-staff at all state buildings, grounds, and facilities beginning Saturday, February 13, until the day of interment (February 22, 2021), in honor of Kansas Senator Bud Estes. Estes, Dodge City, has represented Kansas Senate District 38 since 2017. Prior, Estes served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 2014 to 2017 and as Mayor of Bucklin, Kansas from 1976-1990.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of Senator Estes’ passing,” Governor Kelly said. “Senator Estes had a long history of serving the Southwest Kansas community, his legacy will live on through his public service. I extend my deepest sympathies to his friends and family during their time of mourning.”
Arizona: February 3, 2021 - In honor of former AZ State Legislator and former President of the Navajo Nation Albert Hale
Governor Ducey has called for flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Wednesday, February 3, 2021 to honor former Arizona State Legislator and former President of the Navajo Nation Albert Hale.
“Arizona is saddened by the loss of respected Navajo leader and former state legislator Albert Hale,” said Governor Ducey. “Hale proudly represented the Navajo Nation and state of Arizona for many years, and we are grateful for his dedication to serving others and contributions to our state. My prayers and deepest condolences go to Hale's family, loved ones and community, and I’ve ordered flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of his life and service.” Hale served as President of the Navajo Nation from 1995 to 1998. He served in the Arizona State Senate from 2004 to 2011, and the Arizona State House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017.
Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
Alaska: February 2, 2021 - In honor of Representative Toohey
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy and First Lady Rose Dunleavy issued the following statement on the passing of former Alaska State Representative Cynthia Toohey, who served in the 18th and 19th Alaska State Legislature from 1993-1997.
“Cynthia Toohey was a strong leader who left a positive impact on all who knew her. Cynthia made Alaska her home working as a nurse, starting a family, buying the Crow Creek Mine in Girdwood, and serving in the Alaska State Legislature. Her legacy of selfless service will live on,” said Governor Dunleavy. “Rose and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Toohey family as they honor Cynthia’s memory.”
Governor Dunleavy has ordered that Alaska state flags fly at half-staff on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 in honor of Representative Toohey.
Nevada : February 2, 2021 - In honor of illusionist Siegfried Fischbacher.
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 Tuesday, February 2, 2021 as a mark of solemn respect and in remembrance of legendary illusionist Siegfried Fischbacher.
“Tomorrow, we will lower the flags and give our esteemed recognition to our legendary illusionist Siegfried Fischbacher. His legacy continues to live on as the ‘Master of the Impossible’ whose contributions – alongside the late great Roy Horn – helped shine a bright spotlight on Las Vegas’s entertainment industry to the world,” said Gov. Sisolak.
“Kathy and I continue to send our love and condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.” Fischbacher was born in Germany and his love for magic and his devotion to animals led him to his first appearance alongside the late Roy Horn on the Las Vegas Strip in 1967. Over the course of his career, he delivered surprise and joy to thousands of visitors from around the world with their performances here in Nevada.
