Ever walked outside, looked up at a local post office or fire station, and felt that sudden "oh no" pit in your stomach? You see the Stars and Stripes sitting halfway down the pole. It’s a silent, heavy visual. Instantly, you’re wondering what happened. Did a former president pass away? Was there a tragedy overnight that you missed because you finally decided to put your phone on "Do Not Disturb"?
Honestly, it’s a weirdly personal moment for a public gesture.
Understanding why are flags half mast today usually comes down to a specific set of rules, some tragic news, or a governor making a call for their specific state. Today, January 15, 2026, we are seeing a patchwork of different orders across the country. In Arizona, the flags are still lowered following the recent passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney—a reminder of the long-standing protocol for high-ranking federal officials. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, flags are at half-staff until sunset today for the interment of a local hero.
It’s not just one big national "off" switch. It’s a complicated, moving map of mourning.
The Rulebook: Who Actually Makes the Call?
Most people think there’s some secret "Flag Police" department in D.C. that sends out a mass text. It’s not quite that cinematic. The authority to lower the flag is actually pretty limited. Under the U.S. Flag Code, only the President of the United States or the Governor of a state (or the Mayor of D.C.) can officially order the flag to be flown at half-staff on government property.
You’ve probably noticed I’m using "half-staff" and "half-mast" interchangeably.
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Technically, if you want to be a total pedant, "half-mast" is for ships and naval stations. "Half-staff" is for land. But let’s be real—everyone says half-mast. Even the news. Unless you're on a boat right now, you're looking at a staff.
The Federal Timeline
When a major figure dies, the duration isn't random. There’s a specific "mourning math" involved:
- 30 Days: Reserved for the death of a sitting or former President. We saw this recently with the passing of Jimmy Carter back in early 2025.
- 10 Days: For a Vice President, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, or the Speaker of the House.
- Interment: For Associate Justices, Cabinet members, or Governors, the flag usually stays down from the day of death until they are buried.
Why Are Flags Half Mast Right Now? (The 2026 Landscape)
As of January 15, 2026, the reasons vary wildly depending on your zip code.
In Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs has the flags lowered for former Vice President Dick Cheney. Because his interment hasn't happened yet, those flags are staying down. It’s a mark of respect that transcends the current political bickering you see on your feed.
Up in New Jersey, Governor Murphy just signed an executive order to lower flags starting tomorrow for Congressman Dick Zimmer.
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And then you have California. Governor Gavin Newsom recently had flags at half-staff to mark the one-year anniversary of the devastating Los Angeles fires of 2025. It wasn't for a person, but for the 31 lives lost in that tragedy. This is a newer trend in flag protocol—using the symbol to mark "Days of Remembrance" for community trauma, not just the passing of politicians.
The Mass Shootings and Tragedies Factor
Sadly, the most common reason we search for flag status lately is a national tragedy. When a mass shooting occurs, the President usually issues a proclamation. These orders are typically short—three to five days—meant to allow the nation to grieve collectively. It’s a heavy use of the symbol, and frankly, some veterans and traditionalists argue that doing it too often "dilutes" the honor. It’s a tough debate. Do we save the honor for "Great Men and Women," or do we use it to acknowledge the pain of the average citizen?
The Proper Way to Do It (No, You Don't Just Stop Halfway)
If you have a flagpole at your house or business, you might feel like joining in. But there is a very specific "etiquette" that most people miss.
You don't just hoist the flag to the middle and tie it off.
According to the Flag Code, you have to briskly hoist the flag to the very peak for an instant, then lower it ceremoniously to the half-staff position. When it’s time to take it down at the end of the day? Same thing in reverse. You hoist it to the top again, then lower it all the way down.
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It’s about the "salute" to the peak before the mourning begins. It's a small detail, but if you're going to do it, you might as well do it right.
Memorial Day: The Only "Hybrid" Day
Memorial Day is the weirdest day for flag flyers. Most people think it stays down all day. Nope.
On the last Monday of May, the flag flies at half-staff only until noon. At 12:00 PM sharp, you’re supposed to raise it to the top. The idea is that the morning is for mourning the fallen, and the afternoon is for honoring the living veterans and the strength of the nation.
Can You Lower Your Own Flag Whenever You Want?
Here’s where it gets kinda "freedom-y."
While the President and Governor control government buildings, they don't own your front yard. If your grandfather—a proud veteran—passes away, and you want to fly your flag at half-mast to honor him, you can. The Flag Code is technically a series of guidelines, not a law with penalties. No one is going to come to your house and handcuff you for honoring a local teacher or a family member. However, the "official" expert advice is that if you're flying a flag at a business, it’s best to follow the lead of the Governor or President to avoid confusion. You don't want people calling the local news thinking a Senator died just because you're having a sad Tuesday.
Actionable Steps for Checking Flag Status
If you look up and see a flag down and want to know exactly why without digging through 500-word news articles, here is how you stay informed:
- Check the Official State Website: Most governors have a "Flag Status" page (e.g.,
mass.gov/flag-status). This is the most accurate source for local orders. - Sign Up for Alerts: Sites like American Flags Express or FlagWatch offer email notifications. They’ll ping you the second a proclamation is signed.
- The "Local Post Office" Rule: If you’re unsure if your flag should be down, look at the nearest Post Office. They are federal ground and are strictly required to follow Presidential orders.
- Check the Date: Remember that specific days like September 11, December 7 (Pearl Harbor), and May 15 (Peace Officers Memorial Day) are automatic "half-staff" days.
The flag is a language. Once you learn the "vocabulary" of its height, you start to see the story of what the country is feeling on any given day.
Next Steps for You:
If you noticed a flag at half-mast today in your neighborhood, check your Governor’s official press release page first. If there is no state-wide order, it is likely a local tribute for a first responder or a community figure. For those flying a flag at home, ensure you are following the "peak-then-lower" rule to stay within the traditional spirit of the U.S. Flag Code.