You’re driving to work or walking the dog, look up, and there it is—the flag is sitting halfway down the pole. It’s one of those moments that makes you pause. Honestly, it’s a bit heavy, right? You immediately start wondering what happened or who we’re losing. If you’re seeing flags at half-staff on Saturday, January 17, 2026, it isn't a national day of mourning for a single event, but rather a few different states paying tribute to some heavy hitters in their local communities.
Basically, the "why" depends entirely on where you’re standing.
The Specifics: Why Are Flags Flying Half Mast Today?
Right now, the most prominent reason involves New Jersey and Kansas. In the Garden State, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 412, which keeps the U.S. and New Jersey flags at half-staff through sunset today. Why? To honor the late Congressman Dick Zimmer.
Zimmer was kind of a big deal in Jersey politics. He passed away recently, and his legacy is tied to some pretty massive pieces of legislation, most notably Megan’s Law. He represented the 12th District for three terms and was known for being a fiscal hawk but also someone who genuinely cared about child safety and transparency. For New Jerseyans, seeing that flag lowered is a nod to a career spent in the trenches of public service.
🔗 Read more: Why the Amazon Forest Deforestation Map Still Scares the Experts
Local Tributes in Kansas
Meanwhile, out in Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly has a few different orders active. If you’re in Lyon County, flags are down to honor former Mayor Evora Wheeler. She was a pillar in Emporia for decades. It’s not just big federal names that get this honor; it’s about the people who built the towns we live in.
Additionally, flags in Pottawatomie, Jackson, and Wabaunsee Counties are lowered today for Richard Carlson. He wasn't just a former State Representative; he also served as the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation. When a guy spends that much time making sure the literal roads you drive on are safe, the state tends to say thank you in a formal way.
Understanding the Protocol (It's Not Always for the President)
Most people think flags only go down when a President or a Supreme Court Justice passes away. That's a common misconception. While the President can order the flag to half-staff for the whole country, governors have the authority to do the same for their specific states to honor local leaders, first responders, or even to mark a tragic anniversary.
Take Arizona, for instance. Flags there have been at half-staff recently for former Attorney General Mark Brnovich. It’s a state-by-state patchwork of remembrance.
Who gets to decide?
- The President: For national figures or major tragedies (like the order for Congressman Doug LaMalfa earlier this month).
- Governors: For state officials, local heroes, or residents who made a significant impact.
- Mayors: Occasionally for local municipal buildings, though they usually follow the Governor's lead.
What Most People Get Wrong About "Half-Mast" vs. "Half-Staff"
Okay, let’s get a little nerdy for a second. You’ve probably heard both terms used interchangeably. Technically, "half-mast" refers to flags on ships or at naval stations. If it’s on land—like at a school, a post office, or the state capitol—it’s "half-staff."
Does it really matter? To most of us, no. But if you’re talking to a veteran or a vexillologist (yes, that’s a real word for flag experts), they’ll definitely appreciate you using the right term.
The Actionable Side: How to Follow Flag Etiquette
If you have a flag at home or for your business, you might feel a bit of "flag guilt" if yours is flying high while the post office's is low. Here is how you handle it:
Don't just pull it halfway up. There’s a specific way to do this. You’re supposed to briskly hoist the flag to the very top of the staff for a moment, then ceremoniously lower it to the half-staff position. When it’s time to take it down at the end of the day, you hoist it back to the peak again before lowering it all the way. It’s a sign of respect—sorta like a final salute before the day is done.
Should you lower your home flag today?
You aren't legally required to. The Governor's orders usually apply to government buildings. However, many people choose to follow along as a sign of community solidarity. If you're in New Jersey or those specific Kansas counties, lowering your flag today is a classy move to honor Zimmer, Wheeler, or Carlson.
Check the "Sunset Rule."
Most of today's orders (specifically in NJ and KS) expire at sunset tonight, January 17th. You’ll want to return your flag to full-staff tomorrow morning unless a new order is issued.
Keeping up with flag status is a small way to stay connected to the history happening right in your backyard. It turns a piece of cloth into a story about a person who, for better or worse, tried to make their corner of the world a little different.
To stay updated on future changes, you can sign up for flag alert emails from your state's official government website or check the federal flag status through the Adjutant General's office. If you're managing a public-facing building, bookmarking your Governor's "Press Releases" page is the most reliable way to ensure you never miss an executive order. For those flying flags at home, simply watching your local post office or fire station usually provides the most immediate cue for local observances.