You’re driving to work or walking the dog, look up, and there it is. The American flag, sitting halfway down the pole. It’s a jarring sight. It immediately makes you wonder if something big happened while you were sleeping. Did a world leader pass away? Was there a national tragedy? Honestly, seeing that gap at the top of the flagpole usually sends most of us straight to Google.
If you’re asking why are all the flags half mast today, the answer is often a mix of national mourning and specific state-level orders. As of Saturday, January 17, 2026, several regions across the United States are lowering their flags to honor significant public figures who dedicated their lives to service.
It isn't always one single event. Sometimes the "why" depends entirely on which state line you just crossed.
Honoring Public Servants: The Proclamations for January 17
Today, the flags are lowered in several states due to gubernatorial orders. These aren't just random gestures; they are formal executive actions taken to mark the passing of individuals who shaped their local and national landscapes.
In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy issued Executive Order No. 412. This order directs that both the U.S. and New Jersey flags fly at half-staff through sunset today, January 17. The reason? To honor Congressman Dick Zimmer, a man who served three terms representing New Jersey's 12th Congressional District in the 90s. He was a big deal in the Garden State, known for his work on fiscal responsibility and his role in advancing Megan’s Law.
Meanwhile, if you're in Kansas, you might notice flags lowered in Lyon County. Governor Laura Kelly ordered them down from sunup to sundown today for Evora Wheeler, a former mayor of Emporia. She was a staple in that community for decades.
And way up in North Dakota, flags are lowered for former Governor Allen Olson, who passed away recently. Even though he served back in the early 80s, his impact on the state's legal and executive branches remains a point of high respect.
Is there a national order?
Currently, there is no blanket federal proclamation from the White House covering the entire country for today specifically. However, remember that last year around this time, the nation was in a 30-day mourning period for President Jimmy Carter.
While that specific period has passed, it set a precedent for how we perceive the flag. When a president dies, the flag stays down for 30 days. For a Vice President, Chief Justice, or Speaker of the House, it’s 10 days.
When you see flags down today and you aren't in New Jersey or Kansas, it’s likely a local municipality honoring a fallen first responder or a local hero. Firefighters and police officers are often honored this way by city mayors, even if it doesn't make the national evening news.
Half-Mast vs. Half-Staff: Does it even matter?
Let’s get the terminology straight because people love to argue about this. Technically, "half-mast" refers to flags on a ship or at a naval station. If it's on land, the "correct" term is "half-staff."
But let’s be real. Everyone says half-mast.
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Even some official government documents swap them. If you say half-mast while standing in the middle of a Kansas wheat field, everyone knows exactly what you mean. You don’t need to be a vexillologist (a flag expert—yeah, that’s a real word) to respect the sentiment.
The Surprising Rules of Flag Etiquette
Lowering a flag isn't just about sliding it halfway down and walking away. There's a specific "dance" involved.
- The Hoist: You have to briskly raise the flag to the very top (the peak) for a brief moment.
- The Lowering: Only after reaching the top do you ceremoniously lower it to the halfway point.
- The Retrieval: At the end of the day, you must raise it back to the peak again before lowering it all the way down for the night.
If you see a flag that looks like it's just sagging or hasn't reached the top first, someone probably missed the memo on the U.S. Flag Code. This code was established in 1942, but it’s actually just a set of guidelines. There are no "flag police" who will arrest you for doing it wrong, but for government buildings, these rules are strictly followed.
Who actually has the power to lower the flag?
Only two people have the ultimate authority to order the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff on a wide scale:
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- The President of the United States (for national mourning).
- The Governor of a State (for state-specific mourning).
Mayors and local officials can order local or state flags to be lowered, and while they often lower the U.S. flag as well, technically the Flag Code suggests they only have authority over their local banners. In practice, most people follow the lead of the local leader to show unity during a tragedy.
Why it feels like flags are down more often now
It’s not just your imagination. Over the last decade, the frequency of half-staff orders has increased. This is partly due to a shift in how we honor victims of mass shootings and local tragedies.
Historically, the flag was reserved for the deaths of high-ranking government officials. Today, it’s used more broadly as a symbol of collective empathy. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a tragic event in a small town, the flag has become a tool for national and regional grieving.
Some argue this "dilutes" the significance of the gesture. Others believe it’s a necessary evolution of a living symbol. Regardless of where you stand, it's the reason you're looking up more often and wondering why are all the flags half mast today.
What to do if you're a business or homeowner
If you have a flagpole at your house or business, you aren't legally required to follow these orders. You're a private citizen.
However, if you want to show respect, following the Governor's or President’s lead is the standard move. If your flagpole is attached to your house at an angle (a wall-mount), you can’t really do "half-staff." In that case, the custom is to attach a black crepe streamer to the top of the staff to signify mourning.
Next Steps for Staying Informed:
To keep up with flag status in real-time, you can sign up for official alerts at the Federal Register or check your specific State Governor’s website. Most states have a dedicated "Flag Status" page that updates the moment an executive order is signed. If you see a flag down and can't find a national reason, check local news for the passing of a prominent community leader or a fallen hero in your immediate area.