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
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
ENTIRE UNITED STATES: MAY 25, 2020 - Memorial Day
Proclamation on Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2020
ENTIRE UNITED STATES : MAY 22 - 24, 2020 - Honoring the Victims of the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
Presidential Proclamation on Honoring the Victims of the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
Our Nation mourns for every life lost to the coronavirus pandemic, and we share in the suffering of all those who endured pain and illness from the outbreak. Through our grief, America stands steadfast and united against the invisible enemy. May God be with the victims of this pandemic and bring aid and comfort to their families and friends.
As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the coronavirus pandemic, 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, May 24, 2020. 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 twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred forty-fourth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
NORTH CAROLINA: MAY 21 - 23 - In honor of NC Civil Rights Activist Andrea Harris
Governor Roy Cooper today ordered all North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, May 21, 2020 until sunset Saturday, May 23, 2020 in honor of North Carolina Civil Rights Activist, Andrea Harris, who was a trailblazer for historically underutilized businesses. Harris passed away on Wednesday. A graduate of Bennett College, Harris became one of the youngest community agency directors in the nation, helping fight poverty across three rural North Carolina communities. An unwavering passion to help others in need, she co-founded the NC Institute of Minority Economic Development in 1986. Located in the heart of Durham, the Institute supports minority and women-owned businesses. In 2017, Harris was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to serve on the state's Advisory Council for Historically Underutilized Businesses.
Statement from Governor Cooper: “Andrea Harris was a trailblazer who never stopped fighting for social and racial equity in our state. When doors were intentionally shut, she broke through for women and minority-owned businesses to succeed, modeled excellence in advocacy and mentored scores of freedom fighters. She left an indelible impact on North Carolina’s business and African American communities, and she will be missed. Kristin and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to her friends and loved ones.” As a show of respect, individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.
ENTIRE UNITED STATES : MAY 15, 2020 - Peace Officers Memorial Day
Presidential Proclamation on Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2020
ALASKA : MAY 18, 2020 - In honor of Nome Mayor James "Richard" Beneville
Governor Mike Dunleavy and First Lady Rose Dunleavy issued the following statement on the passing of Nome Mayor James "Richard" Beneville: “Richard Beneville was a true leader who left a positive impact in Nome that will never be forgotten,” said Governor Dunleavy.
“His years of public service – serving three terms as Nome’s Mayor – and true love for the City of Nome exemplified his Alaskan spirit. Nome will not be the same without Richard. Rose and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Beneville family and the entire Nome community for their loss.” Governor Dunleavy has directed Alaska state flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Richard Beneville on Monday, May 18, 2020.
NORTH CAROLINA : MAY 15 - 18, 2020 - In honor of former NC State Representative Larry Womble
In honor of the late Larry Womble, former NC State Representative, Governor Roy Cooper is extending the notice for all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities. Flags are to remain lowered to half-staff through sunset on Monday, May 18, 2020. Larry Womble's political career spans more than three decades. He was elected to represent North Carolina's 71st District in 1995, where he served until 2012. A notable advocate for the minority and underserved communities, Womble was a strong activist for the 2009 Racial Justice Act, which created a method for death row prisoners to contest their sentences. Prior to his role in the NC General Assembly, Womble served three terms as alderman for the City of Winston-Salem from 1981-1993. Womble passed away on Thursday, May 14. Statement from Governor Roy Cooper: "Former Representative Larry Womble spent his life advocating for racial justice and education equality in North Carolina. Our prayers are with his family, loved ones and the Winston-Salem community." As a show of respect, individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.
NORTH CAROLINA : MAY 15 - 18, 2020 - In honor of Camp LeJeune PFC Tyler Knight Cox
US and NC Flags to Remain at Half-Staff Through Sunrise on Monday, May 18, in Honor of Camp LeJeune PFC Tyler Knight Cox. Governor Roy Cooper ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to remain lowered to half-staff through sunrise on Monday, May 18, 2020 in honor of Private First Class Tyler Knight Cox, who passed away during training on Wednesday, April 29, in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Stationed at Camp LeJeune, PFC Cox was assigned to a 3d Battalion 8th Marines as a 0311 rifleman.
Services for PFC Cox will be held on Saturday, May 16 in his hometown of Dike, Iowa. As a show of respect, individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.
KANSAS : MAY 13, 2020 - In honor of Overland Park Police Officer Mike Mosher
Governor Laura Kelly today announced she will order flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff in honor of Mike Mosher, Overland Park Police Officer who lost his life while on duty Sunday. Flags will be flown at half-staff on the day of Officer Mosher’s memorial service. The flag order will be distributed once the date is announced.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of Officer Mike Mosher’s death,” Kelly said. “When our officers sign up to protect and serve our communities, they are putting their lives on the line for us. The sacrifices he and his family have made will certainly not be forgotten. Officer Mosher was an outstanding officer, and I offer my sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time.” Overland Park Police Department: Officer Mosher was a 14-year veteran of the department, a field training officer and a community policing officer. Officer Mosher was involved in an ambush shooting in 2018 and received a Metropolitan Chiefs and Sheriffs Association Officer of the Year award for his actions during that incident. He was also the president of the Overland Park Fraternal Order of Police.
In addition to ordering the flags to be flown at half-staff for Officer Mosher, Governor Kelly today signed Executive Order #20-30, which amends a previous order to add first responders to the list of those who are to be officially recognized through this posthumous honor. The new Executive Order replaces Executive Order #10-12, which was originally signed under Governor Mark Parkinson. The original order did not provide guidance for first responders who are killed in the line of duty. The new order covers members of the law enforcement, fire and emergency response communities.
WISCONSIN : MAY 10 - 16, 2020 - In honor of Police Week
Today, Governor Evers issued Executive Order #76, relating to a proclamation that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin be flown at Half-Staff as a mark of respect for Peace Officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.
Please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds, and military installations of the State of Wisconsin beginning at sunrise on Friday, May 15, 2020, and ending at sunset on that day. Additionally, the order authorizes any jurisdiction of the State of Wisconsin to fly the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin at half- staff on any day during Police Week (May 10, 2020 to May 16, 2020) for the purpose of honoring in a public ceremony, peace officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.
ALASKA : MAY 8 - 15, 2020 - In honor of Former Lt. Governor Byron Mallott
Governor Mike Dunleavy, First Lady Rose Dunleavy, Lieutenant Governor Kevin Meyer and Marty Meyer are sending their deepest sympathies today to the family and friends of former Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott. Mallott, 77 years old, passed away this morning in Anchorage.
“The First Lady and myself want to extend our condolences to the Mallott family during this time of great personal loss,” said Governor Dunleavy. “It didn’t matter if it was in the native community, the business sector or public office - Byron was a leader who worked to improve our state for the people of Alaska.” “Marty and I offer our sincere condolences to the family of former Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott in this time of mourning. Byron had a long history of service to our great state,” said Lt. Governor Meyer. Governor Dunleavy has ordered the United States flag and Alaska state flag to be flown at half-staff for seven days starting today through sunset Friday, May 15.
NEW JERSEY : MAY 8, 2020 - In recognition of the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day
Governor Murphy Directs U.S. and New Jersey Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of the 75th Anniversary of V-E Day
Executive order #139
OHIO : MAY 6 - 13, 2020 - In honor of former Pickaway County Sheriff Dwight Radcliff
In honor of the life and service of former Pickaway County Sheriff Dwight Radcliff, who served as the elected sheriff of Pickaway County for 48 years and at the time of his retirement was the longest serving sheriff in the United States, Governor DeWine today ordered that U.S. and Ohio flags be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Pickaway County. Flags shall remain lowered until sunset on his day of interment. 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.
OHIO : MAY 04, 2020 - In Remembrance of the Kent State Tragedy
In honor of the lives of those killed and injured and those whose lives were forever altered by the tragedy of May 4, 1970, at Kent State University, Governor DeWine ordered that all United States and Ohio flags be flown at half-staff upon all state-owned buildings throughout the state and at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes Tower, at 12:24 PM until sunset.
MARYLAND : MAY 3, 2020 - In honor of Fallen Heroes Day
This is to advise that Governor Larry Hogan has ordered the Maryland State Flag be lowered to half-staff at sunrise, Friday, May 1, 2020 and returned to full-staff at sunset, Friday, May 1, 2020 for Fallen Heroes Day. This day honors Fallen Heroes who have lost their lives in service to our State during the last year.
NORTH CAROLINA : MAY 01 - 04, 2020 - In honor of Former NC Senator Tony Rand
Governor Roy Cooper today ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff beginning Friday, May 1, 2020 until sunset on Monday, May 4, 2020 in honor of former NC State Senator and Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand, who passed away on Friday. A native of Garner, North Carolina, Rand served more than 20 years in the NC Senate. As Senator he represented North Carolina's 19th District, and served as Chairman of the Rules Committee as well as a right-hand man for Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight. After serving many years within North Carolina's General Assembly, Rand dedicated his time as Chairman of the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission and later as Chairman of the NC Lottery Commission.
Statement from Governor Roy Cooper: "My good friend, former State Senator Tony Rand was the muscle who moved good ideas into great laws. He fought tirelessly for public schools and the UNC system. Behind his brilliant wit and encyclopedic knowledge of North Carolina was a man who deeply loved his family, his state and his Tar Heels. Kristin and I send our love and deepest sympathy to his family and friends, especially his wife Karen and his sons Ripley and Craven." As a show of respect, individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.
NEW-JERSEY : MAY 01, 2020 - In honor of Former First lady Debby Kean
Governor Murphy Directs U.S. and New Jersey Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Former First Lady Debby Kean.
Executive Order #139
