You’re driving through Des Moines or maybe just passing a local post office in Cedar Rapids, and you see it. The flag is halfway down the pole. It’s a somber sight that always makes you pause. Honestly, it usually means someone important has passed or a tragedy has struck, but the specific reason isn't always obvious.
If you're wondering why are flags at half mast today in Iowa, the answer is tied to a specific order from Governor Kim Reynolds. As of January 15, 2026, flags across the state are lowered to honor the sacrifice of two Iowa National Guard soldiers, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar.
They didn't just pass away; they were killed in action. That’s a heavy thing to process while you’re just out running errands, but it’s why the Governor made the call.
The Heartbreaking Reason for the Lowered Flags
The formal proclamation came down recently after the devastating news reached Iowa soil. Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, lost their lives during an enemy attack in Palmyra, Syria.
They were part of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment.
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It’s one of those things that feels distant until it hits home. These were young men from our communities—one from the heart of the metro and another from a tight-knit town about an hour northeast. Governor Reynolds ordered the flags to remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of their final interment. Since these ceremonies are deeply personal and take time to arrange with military honors, the flags have remained lowered to ensure the state stays in a period of mourning until they are finally laid to rest.
What "Half-Staff" Actually Means in Iowa
People often say "half-mast," but technically, that’s a naval term for ships. On land, like at the State Capitol or your local school, it’s "half-staff." It’s a small distinction, but if you’re a stickler for etiquette, it’s good to know.
When the Governor issues this order, it’s not just a suggestion for government buildings. It applies to:
- The State Capitol Building in Des Moines.
- All public buildings and grounds throughout the state.
- State-owned facilities and military installations.
Private businesses and individuals aren't legally required to do it, but most people in Iowa do it anyway. It’s a sign of solidarity. If you see a flag at full height at a neighbor's house, they probably just haven't checked the news yet.
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Why are flags at half mast today in Iowa so frequently?
It can feel like the flags are down more often than they're up lately. Between honoring national figures and local heroes, the protocol is pretty specific. In Iowa, the Governor has the authority to lower the flags for:
- The death of current or former state officials.
- The death of a member of the armed forces from Iowa who dies in the line of duty.
- First responders who die in the line of duty (under the Honoring Hometown Heroes Act).
- National proclamations from the President (like for the recent passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney or President Jimmy Carter).
Sometimes the dates overlap. For example, while the state is currently focused on Sgt. Howard and Sgt. Torres-Tovar, we also recently saw flags lowered for former State Senator Larry McKibben. It’s a lot of loss for one state to handle in a short window.
The Protocol You Might Not Notice
There is actually a very specific way to move the flag to half-staff. You don't just hoist it halfway and stop. According to the U.S. Flag Code, you have to briskly hoist the flag to the very peak for an instant and then ceremoniously lower it to the half-staff position.
When it’s time to take it down at sunset, you have to hoist it back to the peak again before lowering it all the way. It’s about respect. It’s about acknowledging the height of the honor before settling into the position of mourning.
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How to Stay Updated on Iowa Flag Status
If you’re a business owner or just a patriotic Iowan, you probably want to know the second these orders change. The best way is to check the Governor’s official "Press Release" section on the Iowa.gov website. They post the proclamations there immediately.
Kinda sucks to have to check for bad news, but it’s the only way to make sure you’re following the right timeline. Usually, the order specifies "until sunset on the day of interment," which means the end date is often "to be determined" for a few days until the families finalize funeral arrangements.
Next Steps for Iowans
To ensure you are showing proper respect, you can:
- Check the Official Source: Visit the Governor of Iowa's Newsroom for the most recent flag proclamations and specific end dates for the current mourning period.
- Adjust Your Own Flag: If you fly a flag at home, follow the "peak then lower" rule to move it to half-staff until the interment of Sgt. Howard and Sgt. Torres-Tovar is complete.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Many flag etiquette websites allow you to sign up for email or text notifications so you don't have to guess why the flags are down.
The current status of flags in Iowa is a direct reflection of the state's gratitude for those who served. By keeping them lowered today, the community acknowledges a debt that can't really be repaid, but can certainly be remembered.