You’re driving to work, maybe sipping a lukewarm coffee, when you spot it. The flag at the local post office or the bank is sitting halfway down the pole. It’s a somber sight. Instantly, you wonder: "Wait, who died?" or "Did I miss something big in the news?"
Honestly, it happens to the best of us. Flag protocol isn't exactly a topic they grill you on after high school civics. But knowing how long will the flags be at half mast isn't just about trivia; it’s about respect. And as it turns out, the timeline isn't just some random "vibe" the government feels. It is strictly dictated by the U.S. Flag Code, though things get a little murky when you factor in state-level orders and specific local tragedies.
The 30-Day Rule and the Heavy Hitters
If you see a flag lowered for a full month, you’re looking at the ultimate mark of national mourning. According to 4 U.S.C. § 7, the flag flies at half-staff for exactly 30 days upon the death of a sitting or former President.
We saw this vividly in early 2025 following the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. The proclamation by the White House ensured that flags remained lowered across all federal buildings and grounds for that month-long period. It’s a massive logistical undertaking. Every embassy, every military base, and every naval vessel follows suit.
But what about other officials? The rules change fast:
- 10 Days: This is the magic number for the Vice President, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (or a retired one), and the Speaker of the House.
- From death until interment: This applies to Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, Cabinet members, former Vice Presidents, and the various leaders of the House and Senate.
- Two Days: Usually, the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress.
Basically, the "rank" of the official determines the "length" of the mourning. It sounds a bit clinical, but it’s how the U.S. has kept things uniform since President Eisenhower signed the proclamation back in 1954.
Current Orders: Why are they down right now?
If you are looking at the flag today, January 15, 2026, the reason likely depends on which state you’re standing in. There isn't a blanket national order from President Trump at this exact moment, but several governors have been busy.
In Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs has ordered flags at half-staff to honor former Attorney General Mark Brnovich. That order has been in place since yesterday and continues "until further notice," which is a bit of a wildcard in the flag world. Usually, that means until the funeral or interment is finalized.
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Meanwhile, if you’re in Louisiana, Governor Landry has the flags down today to honor Robert "Bob" Kostelka. Over in Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey has a standing order through today as well. And starting tomorrow, January 16, New Jersey flags will drop for former Congressman Dick Zimmer, staying down until sunset on the 17th.
It’s a patchwork. You’ve got different states mourning different people for different amounts of time. This is why the question of how long will the flags be at half mast often has fifty different answers depending on your GPS coordinates.
The Tragedy Factor: When the Rules Bend
Sometimes flags go down for reasons that have nothing to do with a politician's age or career. National tragedies—mass shootings, terrorist attacks, or natural disasters—trigger a different kind of response.
Just last week, on January 7, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags to half-staff as a day of remembrance for the devastating Los Angeles fires of 2025. This wasn't about a single person; it was about 31 lives lost and a community still rebuilding.
When a tragedy hits, the President or a Governor usually specifies a short, sharp window of mourning—often 24 to 72 hours. It’s a way to acknowledge the collective "gut punch" the public feels without keeping the nation in a perpetual state of symbolic sorrow.
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A Quick Cheat Sheet on Timing
- Memorial Day: This is the weird one. The flag flies at half-staff from sunrise until exactly noon. Then, you're supposed to hoist it briskly to the top for the rest of the day. It’s meant to honor the fallen in the morning and the living veterans in the afternoon.
- Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15): Half-staff all day, unless it falls on Armed Forces Day.
- Patriot Day (September 11): Half-staff from sunrise to sunset.
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7): Half-staff from sunrise to sunset.
Can Anyone Just Lower the Flag?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: You can do whatever you want with your own flag on your own lawn, but if you're following the "rules," only the President or a Governor can officially order flags to be lowered.
There’s a lot of debate online about whether a mayor can order it. Technically, the U.S. Flag Code doesn't give mayors that power for the American flag, though they can certainly lower the city or municipal flag. But honestly, in small towns, if a beloved local figure passes away, the mayor might call for it anyway. The "Flag Police" aren't going to come kick down your door, but purists will definitely send a strongly worded letter to the editor.
Common Mistakes: Don't Be That Person
One thing that drives experts crazy? When people just lower the flag and leave it there.
There is a specific way to do it. You have to hoist the flag all the way to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. When you take it down for the night, you have to hoist it back to the peak again before lowering it all the way. It’s about the motion. It’s a salute.
Also, "half-mast" vs. "half-staff." If you want to sound like a pro, use "half-mast" only when you're talking about ships. On land, it’s "half-staff." Most people use them interchangeably, but now you know the difference.
What You Should Do Next
If you're wondering about the flag in your neighborhood right now, your best bet is to check your state governor's official website. They almost always post the "Proclamations" or "Executive Orders" right on the homepage.
For those of you who manage a building or a VFW post, you can sign up for "Half-Staff Alerts." There are several free email services that will ping you the second an order is issued so you aren't the only one on the block with your flag still at the top of the pole.
Keep an eye on the news in New Jersey and Kansas over the next 48 hours, as those are the next scheduled changes to the flag's position. If you see them go back up on Sunday morning, you'll know the period of mourning has officially concluded.