You’re driving to work, maybe sipping a lukewarm coffee, and you see it. The flag outside the post office or the local school is sitting halfway down the pole. It’s a somber sight. It immediately makes you wonder if something big happened that you missed in the morning news cycle. Honestly, it’s one of the few shared public signals we have left that actually makes people stop and think.
If you’re seeing flags at half mast currently, there isn't always one single national reason. Sometimes it's a presidential order for the whole country. Other times, it's a governor honoring someone local. Today, January 13, 2026, we have a mix of state-level tributes and ongoing memorials across the U.S. that explain why the Stars and Stripes aren't at the peak.
Why the Flags are Lowered Today
Right now, several states have specific orders in place. In Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer directed that both U.S. and state flags be lowered to honor former State Senator Joel Gougeon. He wasn't just a politician; he was an Air Force veteran and a guy who spent years pushing for better mental health services. His impact on the Bay County area and the state's mental health code was massive. If you're in Lansing or anywhere near the Capitol Complex today, that's why the flags are down.
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Meanwhile, in Maryland, Governor Wes Moore has ordered flags to half-staff for Detective Paul Hoke of the Baltimore County Police Department. This is a tough one. Detective Hoke passed away following a medical emergency while on duty. Today is his day of interment, which is the traditional time flags are lowered to show final respect for those who serve in uniform.
A National Remembrance
Beyond the specific state orders, we are also coming off a period of national mourning. Earlier this month, flags across the entire United States were lowered for the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa. While that national order was focused on the first week of January, some local jurisdictions and federal buildings keep their own schedules for returning to full staff, especially if services are still being held.
It’s also worth noting that in California, Governor Gavin Newsom has kept flags lowered at the State Capitol and Annex to specifically honor LaMalfa’s decades of service to Northern California. You’ve likely noticed that flag protocol can feel a bit like a patchwork quilt across the country.
The Difference Between Half-Staff and Half-Mast
Technically, if you want to be a total pedant about it, there is a difference. "Half-mast" is a naval term. It refers to flags on ships or at naval stations. If the pole is on the ground—like at a school or a bank—the correct term is "half-staff."
Most people use them interchangeably. It doesn't really matter in casual conversation, but if you're ever at a trivia night or talking to a veteran, now you know.
Who Actually Makes the Call?
Only a few people have the legal authority to lower the American flag. It’s not a "vibe" thing.
- The President: Can order it for the whole country or specific territories.
- State Governors: Can order it for their specific state to honor local heroes or officials.
- Mayors: Sometimes lower flags at city-owned buildings, though they don't have the authority to order the U.S. flag down at federal sites.
The U.S. Flag Code (specifically 4 U.S.C. § 7) is the rulebook here. It’s pretty strict. For example, if a former President passes away, the flags stay down for 30 days. For a Vice President or a Chief Justice, it's 10 days. For a member of Congress, it’s usually just the day of death and the following day.
Surprising Rules You Might Not Know
Ever seen a flag being lowered? There is a specific way to do it. You don't just haul it up halfway and call it a day. You have to hoist it to the very top—the peak—for a brief second, and then lower it to the middle. When the day is over and it’s time to take it down, you have to hoist it back to the top again before bringing it all the way down.
It's about the symbolism of the flag belonging at the top. The "space" above the flag at half-staff is meant to be the invisible place where the "invisible flag of death" flies. Kinda dark, but very traditional.
Why This Still Matters in 2026
In a world where everything is digital and fleeting, the physical act of lowering a flag is a heavy gesture. It forces a pause. Whether it’s for a local firefighter in Minnesota or a long-serving senator in Michigan, it’s a way of saying that the community lost someone who mattered.
We see it often for:
- First Responders: Like Detective Hoke in Maryland or firefighters lost in the line of duty.
- Military Members: Especially those killed in action or high-ranking veterans.
- National Tragedies: Mass shootings or natural disasters usually trigger a presidential proclamation.
- Dignitaries: Former governors, senators, and world leaders.
What to Do If You See a Flag at Half-Mast
If you’re a business owner or you have a flagpole at home, you aren't legally required to follow these proclamations, but it's considered respectful to do so. Most people just check a site like the state governor's press office or a dedicated flag alert service.
If you want to keep track of the flag status in your area, here is how you can stay updated:
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- Check your Governor’s website: They almost always post "Flag Status" alerts on their homepage.
- Sign up for alerts: There are several non-profit sites that will email you when the President or your Governor issues a new order.
- Observe the dates: Most orders have a very specific "return to full staff" time, usually sunset on the day of the funeral.
If you’re seeing flags down today, January 13, it’s a sign of a community in mourning—whether for a pilot-turned-senator in Michigan or a fallen detective in Maryland. It’s a small, silent way we honor the people who spent their lives looking out for the rest of us.
For those of you managing flagpoles today, ensure Michigan-based flags return to full staff on Wednesday, January 14. Maryland residents should return flags to the peak at sunset today. Always remember to hoist to the peak first before lowering to the half-staff position to maintain proper etiquette.