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
OHIO: March 22 to 29, 2020 - In honor State Representative Don Manning and Springdale Police Officer Kaia Grant
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today issued two flag lowering orders.
Flags of the United States and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half staff at all public buildings in Mahoning County in honor of State Representative Don Manning. This order also applies to flags at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower until sunset March 29, 2020. Representative Manning died unexpectedly after experiencing chest pains and short hospitalization. Text to Executive Order
Governor DeWine also ordered flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half staff at all public buildings in Hamilton County in honor of Springdale Police Officer Kaia Grant. This order also applies to flags at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower until sunset on March 29, 2020. Officer Grant died in a car crash while on duty. Text to Executive Order
RHODE ISLAND: March 24 to 25, 2020 - In honor of former Rhode Island First Lady Virginia Chafee
Governor Gina M. Raimondo is directing Rhode Island flags at all state agencies and buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of former Rhode Island First Lady Virginia Chafee. Flags will remain lowered until sunset on Wednesday, March 25, the day of interment.
"Virginia Chafee was a dedicated wife, mother and friend," said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. "She was a proud environmentalist and champion of Rhode Island's open spaces. Andy and I are keeping her loved ones, particularly her children and grandchildren, in our prayers during this difficult time." Raimondo also asks Rhode Islanders to lower their flags to half-staff as a mark of respect.
MASSACHUSETTS: March 21, 2020 - In honor of US Army Private First Class Justin Candido Kirby
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, March 21, 2020 [tomorrow], the day of interment, in honor of US Army Private First Class Justin Candido Kirby of New Bedford, MA, who passed away on March 9, 2020 at the Fort Irwin National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California. Private First Class Kirby will be laid to rest at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Bedford, MA.
This gubernatorial order applies to:
1. The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls.
2. Other state-owned or state-controlled buildings.
3. All state military installations.
MICHIGAN: March 21, 2020 - In honor of Forsyth Township Fire Fighter Benjamen “Ben” Lauren
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, March 21, 2020, to honor the life and service of Forsyth Township Fire Fighter Benjamen “Ben” Lauren, who was killed in the line of duty.
“As an up-and-coming leader in his community, the death of Fire Fighter Ben Lauren is a tragic loss for our state,” Whitmer said. “The flags will be lowered to honor Ben and serve as a reminder of his selfless sacrifice. My thoughts will be with his family as they lay him to rest.” Ben is a resident of Gwinn, Michigan. He graduated from Gwinn High School in 2014 before attending Northern Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Technology degree in 2018. He was a member of the Forsyth Township Fire Department, and received the Forsyth Township Fireman of the Year award in 2018. Ben also worked as a maintenance planner at Verso Paper in Escanaba, Michigan. Ben was serving his community during a structure fire call when he was fatally injured on Friday, March 13, 2020. A private service will be held at the Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home. The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Fire Fighter Ben Lauren by lowering flags to half-staff.
Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full-staff on Sunday, March 22, 2020.
MISSOURI: March 20, 2020 - in honor of Springfield Police Department Officer Christopher R. Walsh
JEFFERSON CITY - Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Greene County on Saturday, March 21, 2020 in honor of Springfield Police Department Officer Christopher R. Walsh. On March 15, Officer Walsh was shot and killed after responding to a Springfield business to investigate a call for an active shooter.
“Officer Christopher Walsh leaves us with a legacy of brave, selfless service to Missouri and our nation that is an inspiration to us all. His commitment to public service included two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during his 14 years in the U.S. Army Reserve and three years as an officer with the Springfield Police Department,” Governor Parson said. “On Sunday, he was tragically and senselessly killed after rushing to an active shooting scene and courageously attempting to provide life-saving care to a civilian shooting victim. Officer Walsh is a hero we will never forget.”
The flags will be flown at half-staff on the day Officer Walsh is laid to rest.
NORTH CAROLINA: March 20 to 27, 2020 - In honor of Fallen Fort Bragg Soldiers
Governor Roy Cooper today ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff beginning Friday, March 20, 2020 in honor of the following fallen soldiers who were stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Private Jamie Wyatt Boger, a US Army Special Forces Candidate who attended Fort Bragg's John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School as a student before his assignment to the Special Warfare Medical Group in October 2019 (Date of Death: March 16, 2020)
Private First Class Joseph Del Hierro, a US Army Paratrooper assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division (Date of Death: February 23, 2020)
Private 2nd Class Caleb Smither, a US Army Paratrooper assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division (Date of Death: January 21, 2020)
Master Sergeant Nathan Goodman, a US Army Special Operations Command Soldier assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Date of Death: January 14, 2020)
In tribute, flags are to remain at halfstaff through sunset on Friday March 27, 2020. 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.
DELAWARE: March 20 to 22, 2020 - In honor of former State Representative William “Bobby” Outten
With the passing of former State Representative William “Bobby” Outten on Tuesday, March 17 Governor Carney has ordered the United States and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning today, March 20 as a mark of respect for Mr. Outten and his service to Delaware.
Mr. Outten was elected to the Delaware House of Representatives in 2004 and represented the 30th District until 2018. He sat on various committees including the House Agriculture, Corrections, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Judiciary, and Veterans Affairs. Mr. Outten sponsored several bills during his terms in the House dealing with agriculture and charter changes.
Flags are to be returned to full staff Monday morning, March 23.
MICHIGAN: March 14, 2020 - Tn honor the service of National Guard Sergeant Jeffrey A. Anderson
Governor Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Fallen Soldier LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags throughout the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, March 14 to honor the service of Michigan National Guard Sergeant Jeffrey A. Anderson and coincide with his funeral.
“Our state mourns the loss of Sgt. Jeffrey A. Anderson as he is laid to rest,” Whitmer said. “We are grateful for his selfless service to our state and nation in the Michigan National Guard. My thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.” Sergeant Jeffrey A. Anderson was born in San Bernardino, California on December 10, 1990. Anderson graduated from Greenville High School in 2009 and has served our state and nation since March 2008. He will be laid to rest on Saturday, March 14, 2020, where he will be given full military honors. He is survived by his many loving family members.
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Sgt. Anderson by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full-staff on Sunday, March 15.
ARKANSAS: March 11 to The Day of Interment - In honor of Hot Springs Police Officer Brent William Scrimshire
For Immediate Release 03.11.2020
Governor Hutchinson Orders Flags Lowered To Half-Staff in Memory of Slain Police Officer
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson ordered the Arkansas and U.S. flags lowered to half-staff on Wednesday in memory of Hot Springs Police Officer Brent William Scrimshire who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Tuesday.
“Officer Scrimshire was selfless and brave in serving Hot Springs,” Governor Hutchinson said Wednesday. “He put the safety of others ahead of his personal safety. Tuesday evening, Officer Scrimshire gave his life in service of others. I was saddened to learn of his death. I offer my condolences to his family and his fellow officers in the Hot Springs Police Department. “I have ordered the Arkansas and U.S. flags to fly at half-staff in memory of the service of Officer Brent William Scrimshire and as an expression of our shared sorrow for his death.” Officer Scrimshire was named a Regional Officer of the Year by Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and as Hot Springs Officer of the Quarter in September. Governor
Hutchinson's proclamation can be viewed HERE.
NORTH CAROLINA: March 10 to 15, 2020 - In honor of Camp Lejeune Marines Sgt. Pongo and Capt. Navas
Governor Roy Cooper today ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff beginning Tuesday, March 10, 2020 in honor of Gunnery Sgt. Diego D. Pongo and Marine Corps Capt. Moises A. Navas.
Sgt. Pongo and Capt. Navas died while accompanying Iraqi Security Forces in north central Iraq on Sunday. They were both assigned to the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Forces Special Operations Command at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In tribute, flags are to remain at half-staff through sunset on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
Statement from Governor Roy Cooper:
"We are deeply saddened by the news that two Camp Lejeune marines lost their lives in service to our country on Sunday. I am grateful for Capt. Moises A. Navas and Gunnery Sgt. Diego D. Pongo's courage, and our thoughts are with their 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.
ARIZONA: March 11, 2020 - In honor of Tempe Firefighter Tommy Arriaga.
Governor Ducey has ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff immediately until sunset today, March 11, 2020, to honor the life of Tempe Firefighter Tommy Arriaga. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
Regards,
Arizona Department of Administration
MICHIGAN: March 10 to 11, 2020 - in honor of Chief Warrant Officer Daniel I Thomas
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 to honor the service of Chief Warrant Officer Daniel I. Thomas who passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Fort Leonard Wood in St. Robert, Missouri.
“Each of us mourn the loss of Chief Warrant Officer Daniel I. Thomas as he is laid to rest,” Whitmer said. “Our state owes him a great debt and will be forever grateful for his selfless service to our state and nation in the Armed Services. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Chief Warrant Officer Thomas joined the U.S. Navy in the summer of 1990, after completing the 11th grade. After graduation, he served aboard the Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Kitty Hawk, based out of Coronado, California, serving in the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm. He later served in the Michigan Army National Guard with a deployment to Iraq with the 1436th Engineer Company as a heavy equipment operator. His military career advanced, eventually achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer CW2. “Chief” Daniel I. Thomas served as Army National Guard Senior Warrant Office Advisor at the Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear School at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Chief Warrant Officer Thomas will be laid to rest on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 and is survived by his wife Brandy, children, and many loving family members.
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Chief Warrant Officer Daniel I. Thomas by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.
NORTH CAROLINA: March 10, 2020 - In Honor of Camp Lejeune Marines Sgt. Pongo and Capt. Navas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: March 10, 2020
Contact: NCDOA Communications Office, 919-807-4531
MEMORANDUM To: Cabinet Secretaries; Council of State Members; Office of the UNC President; Administrative Office of the Courts; Office of Administrative Hearings; General Assembly; North Carolina Community College System; Governor's Mansion; Governor's Office
From: Secretary Machelle Sanders
Re: Lowering of US and NC Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Camp Lejeune Marines Sgt. Pongo and Capt. Navas
Governor Roy Cooper today ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff beginning Tuesday, March 10, 2020 in honor of Gunnery Sgt. Diego D. Pongo and Marine Corps Capt. Moises A. Navas.
Sgt. Pongo and Capt. Navas died while accompanying Iraqi Security Forces in north central Iraq on Sunday. They were both assigned to the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Forces Special Operations Command at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In tribute, flags are to remain at halfstaff through sunset on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
Statement from Governor Roy Cooper: "We are deeply saddened by the news that two Camp Lejeune marines lost their lives in service to our country on Sunday. I am grateful for Capt. Moises A. Navas and Gunnery Sgt. Diego D. Pongo's courage, and our thoughts are with their 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.
Please note, all North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance to regulations outlined in the US Flag Code.
LOUISIANA: March 10, 2020 - In honor of former Louisiana Representative Clifton Russell "Clif" Richardson
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. JBE 20-9
ALABAMA: March 9, 2020 - In honor of fallen Forest Ranger James Owen Hall
I am directing flags be flown at half-staff Monday, March 9, 2020 as a mark of respect for fallen Forest Ranger James Owen Hall, who died in the line of duty on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.
Forest Ranger Hall’s job involved fighting wildfires for the Alabama Forestry Commission, as well as working with landowners to conduct prescribed burns and install fire lanes. In addition, he served six years in the United States Army. We offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family, his community and his colleagues at the Alabama Forestry Commission. The flags should be flown at half-staff on the day of his interment on Monday, March 9, 2020 until sunset.
HAWAII: March 07, 2020 - In honor of Officer Kaulike Kalama
Saturday, March 7, 2020
HONOLULU - As a mark of respect for the late Honolulu Police Officer Kaulike Kalama, Gov. David Ige has ordered that the flags of the United States and the State of Hawai'i shall be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawai'i National Guard on Saturday, Mar. 7 - the day of Officer Kalama's memorial services. Flags shall be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset. Kalama was killed in the line of duty, responding to a stabbing at a home in Diamond Head on Jan. 19. He was a 9-year veteran of the Honolulu Police Department, assigned to District 7 (East Honolulu).
TENNESSEE: March 4 to 6, 2020 - In honor of the Victims of the March 3rd Tornadoes
By order of the Governor, flags over the State Capitol and all State office buildings shall be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset beginning tomorrow, March 4 through Friday, March 6. Flags are being lowered in memory of the victims of the March 3 tornado outbreak in Putnam, Wilson, Davidson, and Benton counties.
ALABAMA: March 3, 2020 - In honor of the Day of Remembrance in the state of Alabama
From Governor Ivey:
I am directing flags be displayed at half-staff tomorrow in honor of March 3, 2019 Day of Remembrance in the state of Alabama.
On March 3, 2019, an EF-4 and EF-2 tornado tore through Lee County causing incomprehensible destruction in Beauregard and Smith Station. Twenty-three lives were lost, 98 people were injured, 230 homes were completely destroyed, and 141 homes encountered major damage. In the aftermath of this horrific tragedy, Lee County residents have proven their strength and resiliency in rebuilding their broken communities. Tomorrow, I encourage all Alabamians to reflect upon the memory of those we lost one year ago.
The flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.
NEW MEXICO: March 2, 2020 - In Honor of Specialist Walter Lewark
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered that U.S. and state flags be flown at half staff Monday, March 2, 2020 in honor of a New Mexico National Guard soldier who died during an overseas deployment.
Executive Order 2020-003
SOUTH CAROLINA: March 1, 2020 - In honor of Deputy Andrew Gillette
Governor Henry McMaster orders that the flags on all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, March 1, 2020, in tribute to Deputy Andrew Gillette of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, who died in the line of duty. Governor McMaster requests that all flags over buildings of the political subdivisions of this State similarly be flown at half-staff for this purpose.
