You’re driving through Denver or maybe just grabbed coffee in Colorado Springs and noticed the flags looking a little low. It’s a somber sight, honestly. Whenever those colors drop to the middle of the pole, it hits different. You immediately wonder: Did something happen? Who are we honoring?
If you're asking why are flags at half staff in Colorado today, you aren't alone. It’s one of those things that makes the whole community pause. In Colorado, the protocol for lowering the flag is a mix of federal law and specific orders from the Governor's office. Usually, it's about paying respects—to a fallen hero, a dedicated public servant, or in the wake of a tragedy that’s shaken the state.
The Specific Reason for the Current Flag Status
As of January 14, 2026, flags across Colorado are returning to full staff.
If you saw flags at half-staff earlier this morning or over the last few days, it was part of a series of tributes ordered by Governor Jared Polis. The state has been in a period of mourning for several influential figures who shaped Colorado’s history.
Specifically, the flags were lowered to honor:
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- Former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell: A true Colorado legend and the only Native American to serve in both the U.S. House and Senate during his time. His memorial services concluded recently, with the final flag honors scheduled through Sunday, January 4, and into the following week for certain local jurisdictions.
- Former State Senator Lewis H. Entz: A dedicated public servant from the San Luis Valley who passed away recently. Flags were lowered to honor his decades of service to the people of Colorado.
While the official statewide proclamations for these specific individuals have concluded, you might still see a flag at half-staff at a specific city hall or fire station. Local mayors often have the authority to keep flags lowered for local heroes or first responders who passed away within their specific community.
Who Actually Decides to Lower the Flag?
It’s not just a random choice. There is a very strict "Flag Code" that dictates when and how this happens.
Basically, only two people can order the U.S. flag to half-staff in Colorado:
- The President of the United States: This is for national mourning, like when a major federal official passes or a national tragedy occurs.
- The Governor of Colorado: Governor Polis has the authority to lower both the U.S. and State flags for Colorado-specific honors.
Kinda interesting—the Governor usually orders flags down for Colorado service members killed in action, or for state officials like the senators we mentioned. They also do it for "Line of Duty" deaths involving police officers or firefighters. It’s the state’s way of saying "we see you, and we’re grateful."
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When the Flags Must Go Down (By Law)
There are actually specific days every year where the flags go to half-staff automatically. You don't even need a special order for these:
- May 15: Peace Officers Memorial Day.
- Last Monday in May: Memorial Day (but only until noon! Then they go back up to full staff).
- September 11: Patriot Day.
- December 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Why are flags at half staff in Colorado today? Understanding the Protocol
If you see a flag lowered and there wasn't a big news story about a national figure, it’s almost always a proclamation for a local hero.
For instance, when a Colorado soldier is killed while serving on active duty, the policy is to lower the flags on the day of their funeral. It’s a quiet, powerful gesture of support for the family.
Sometimes, people get confused because they see the flag at half-staff at a library or a school but not at the post office. This usually happens because federal buildings (like post offices) follow the President's orders, while state and local buildings follow the Governor. If the Governor orders a tribute for a state legislator, the post office might stay at full staff because they aren't legally required to follow state-level proclamations—though most do out of respect.
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Getting the Timing Right
There’s actually a "right way" to put a flag at half-staff. You don't just hoist it halfway up and call it a day.
You’re supposed to briskly hoist the flag to the very top of the pole for a moment, then slowly lower it to the half-staff position. When it’s time to take it down at the end of the day? Same thing. You raise it to the peak again, then bring it all the way down. It’s all about the ceremony.
How to Stay Notified
If you’re someone who flies a flag at home or for your business, you probably want to make sure you’re doing it right. It’s kinda embarrassing to be the only house on the block with a flag at full staff when everyone else is in mourning.
Honestly, the best way to stay on top of it is to check the official Colorado Governor’s Flag Status page or sign up for email alerts. Most local news apps in Denver, Springs, or Grand Junction will also send out a push notification when a new order is issued.
Actionable Steps for Flag Owners
- Check the Date: If it’s a scheduled day like Pearl Harbor Day, set a reminder on your phone the night before.
- Follow the Governor: Bookmark the official Colorado flag status page.
- Respect the Sunset: If you don't have a light on your flag at night, it needs to come down at sunset anyway, regardless of whether it’s at half-staff or full.
- Local Honors: If you see a flag down at a fire station but nowhere else, it’s likely a local "Line of Duty" death. You can join the tribute by lowering your own flag if you want to show solidarity with your local first responders.
The next time you're out and see the flags lowered, take a second. It's usually a sign that Colorado is saying goodbye to someone who really made a difference. Whether it was a Senator who served for decades or a young soldier who gave everything, it’s our way of sticking together as a state.
To ensure your flag is displayed correctly moving forward, you should verify any new proclamations directly through the Governor's office. If you're currently flying a flag and it's after sunset without proper illumination, the most respectful next step is to properly lower and fold it until sunrise tomorrow.