You’re driving down Colfax or maybe heading into the office in Colorado Springs, and you see it. The blue, white, and gold of the state flag—and the Stars and Stripes above it—aren’t at the top of the pole. They’re sitting halfway down. It’s a quiet, visual signal that something has happened, a collective "hush" across the state. Honestly, unless you're a news junkie, it can be kinda confusing to keep track of exactly why it's happening at any given moment.
Basically, seeing flags at half mast in Colorado usually means the Governor has issued a specific proclamation. It isn’t just a random act of mourning. There’s a very strict protocol involved, dictated by both federal law (the U.S. Flag Code) and state policy.
The Current Reason for the Low Flags
Right now, if you see the flags lowered across the Centennial State, it’s often tied to the passing of a significant figure who shaped Colorado’s history. Most recently, Governor Jared Polis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the memory of former State Senator Lewis H. Entz.
He was a giant in the San Luis Valley.
Entz wasn't just a politician; he was a Korean War veteran and a fierce advocate for water rights—something that basically dictates life and death in rural Colorado. He passed away at the age of 94, and the flags were lowered from sunrise to sunset on January 3rd, 2026, to coincide with his memorial service.
But he isn't the only one we've lost lately.
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The state has been in a period of recurring mourning. In late December 2025 and into early January 2026, flags were also lowered for Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. He was a legendary figure—an Olympic athlete, a world-class jewelry designer, and the only Native American serving in the U.S. Senate during his tenure. When someone of that stature "walks on," as his community describes it, the flags don't just stay low for a few hours. They stay down for days to mark the weight of the loss.
Who Actually Makes the Call?
You can’t just lower the flag at the local post office because you're having a bad day.
Only two people have the authority to order the U.S. flag to half-staff: the President of the United States and the Governor of a state. In our case, Governor Polis handles the state-level calls.
Usually, the Governor’s order applies to all public buildings, federal lands, and state facilities. While private businesses and homeowners aren't legally required to follow suit, most do it out of respect. It's a community thing.
Why the Flags Go Down
There are a few "standard" reasons you’ll see the flag lowered:
- Death of a Current or Former Official: This includes State Senators, Representatives, or high-ranking executive branch members.
- Line of Duty Deaths: If a police officer, firefighter, or first responder dies while serving their community, the Governor almost always orders the flags down on the day of their funeral.
- National Tragedies: Think mass shootings, significant natural disasters, or anniversaries like 9/11 or Pearl Harbor.
- Military Deaths: When a Colorado-based service member is killed in action, the flags honor their return home.
It’s worth noting that on Memorial Day, there’s a weird little rule most people miss. The flag is actually supposed to be at half-staff only until noon. At exactly 12:00 PM, it's raised back to the top to symbolize the nation’s persistence and the resolve of the living to carry on the legacy of the fallen.
The Difference Between Half-Mast and Half-Staff
Let's be real: people use these terms interchangeably.
But if you want to be a pedant about it, "half-mast" technically refers to flags on a ship or at a naval station. If the pole is on the ground—like at the State Capitol in Denver or outside a school—it's "half-staff."
Does it matter to the average person? Not really. But if you’re ever in a trivia night at a brewery in Fort Collins, now you know.
How to Properly Lower the Flag
There is a specific way to do this that many people get wrong. You don’t just pull the rope halfway and tie it off.
According to the U.S. Flag Code, you have to first hoist the flag to the very peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. It’s a gesture of acknowledgment to the top of the pole before settling into mourning. When it’s time to take the flag down for the night, you have to hoist it back to the peak again before lowering it all the way.
It’s about intentionality.
Why Some Flags Stay Up
You might notice some flags still flying high while others are low. This usually happens because the Governor’s order specifically mentions "public buildings."
Federal buildings (like a U.S. Court House) follow the President's orders. State buildings follow the Governor. Sometimes the President orders a national mourning period that the Governor hasn't yet echoed—or vice versa.
Also, some older flagpoles aren't designed to be lowered, or the person in charge of the building simply hasn't checked the news yet. It’s usually not a sign of disrespect; it's just a lag in communication.
Practical Steps for Coloradans
If you own a business or manage a building and want to stay in the loop, you don't have to guess.
- Sign up for alerts: The Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration (DPA) actually has a mailing list. They will email you the second a proclamation is signed.
- Check the Governor’s Newsroom: All executive orders regarding flag status are posted on the official Colorado.gov website.
- The "Crêpe" Alternative: If you have a flag attached to your house that can't be lowered (like those ones that stick out at an angle from a porch), you can't technically fly it at half-staff. Instead, the protocol is to attach two black crêpe streamers to the top of the pole to signify mourning.
Staying informed about flags at half mast in Colorado is a small but meaningful way to stay connected to the state's collective story. Whether it’s honoring a veteran like Lewis Entz or standing in solidarity after a tragedy, those lowered colors represent a moment where we all stop and look up.
Keep an eye on the local news or the official state portal to ensure you're reflecting the most current orders. Respecting the flag is, at its core, about respecting the people the flag represents.