You’re driving to work or maybe just walking the dog, and you see it. That unmistakable sight of the Stars and Stripes sitting midway down the pole. It hits a certain cord, doesn't it? It’s a quiet, visual signal that something—or someone—significant is being remembered. But honestly, unless you're glued to a news feed 24/7, it’s easy to feel out of the loop.
Why are the flags being flown at half mast today, January 18, 2026?
If you’re in New Jersey, the answer is very specific. Governor Phil Murphy issued Executive Order No. 412, which directed flags to fly at half-staff through sunset on January 17th, but also extended into further commemorations for late legislators. Meanwhile, in Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered flags to remain lowered to honor the lives and service of Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torrestovar.
It isn't always a national tragedy. Sometimes, it’s a localized tribute to a person who spent their life serving their community.
The Logic Behind the Lowering
The rules for this aren't just "vibes." There is actually a whole set of laws called the U.S. Flag Code that dictates the "when" and "how."
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Basically, the President or a state Governor are the ones with the remote control for the flag height. The President handles national proclamations—think the passing of a former president or a major national catastrophe. Governors handle the local stuff. If a prominent state legislator or a first responder passing away in the line of duty happens, the Governor steps in.
It’s interesting because the Flag Code is technically more of a set of guidelines for civilians, but for government buildings, it’s the law.
Who Gets This Honor?
Not everyone gets the flag treatment. It's a short list:
- Current or former Presidents (30 days of mourning).
- Vice Presidents, Chief Justices, or retired Chief Justices (10 days).
- Members of Congress (usually on the day of death and the following day).
- State officials or foreign dignitaries (at the discretion of the President or Governor).
The 2026 Context: Why It’s Frequent Recently
Lately, it feels like the flags are down more than they are up. You've probably noticed that. Part of that is the aging of a specific generation of American leadership. We saw this clearly last year with the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, where flags remained at half-staff for a full 30 days, even creating a bit of a protocol "hiccup" during the 2025 Inauguration festivities.
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Currently, on January 18, 2026, we are also seeing a heavy emphasis on local heroes. In Maryland and North Dakota, recent orders have been issued to honor detectives and community leaders. It’s a way for a state to say "we see you" to the families of those who served.
A Common Misunderstanding
People often use "half-mast" and "half-staff" interchangeably. Kinda annoying for the purists, right?
Technically, "half-mast" is for ships and naval stations. If it's on land, like at your local post office or school, it’s "half-staff." But let's be real—if you say half-mast, everyone knows what you mean.
How to Properly Lower the Flag
If you’re a business owner or just a patriotic neighbor with a flagpole, there is a specific way to do this. You don't just hoist it halfway and call it a day.
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First, you have to briskly hoist the flag to the very peak for an instant. Then, you lower it slowly to the half-staff position. When it’s time to take it down for the night (unless you have it illuminated), you have to hoist it to the peak again before lowering it all the way.
It’s about respect. It’s about the process.
Notable Dates You Should Mark
Even without a special proclamation, the flag goes down on specific calendar days every year. If you see the flags down on these dates, you don't even need to Google it:
- May 15: Peace Officers Memorial Day.
- Last Monday in May: Memorial Day (but only until noon! Then it goes to the top).
- September 11: Patriot Day.
- December 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
What to Do If You're Confused
If you see a flag at half-staff and can't find a national headline, check your Governor’s official website. Most states have a dedicated "Flag Status" page because, honestly, they get calls about it constantly.
Next time you see the flag lowered, take a second. It’s usually a sign that a family somewhere is grieving a person who gave a lot to their country or state. Whether it's a soldier in Iowa or a legislator in New Jersey, that gap at the top of the pole is meant for the spirit of the person being honored.
If you want to stay updated without searching every time, you can actually sign up for email alerts from sites like HalfStaff.org or your state's Department of Administration. They’ll ping you the second an order is signed so you're never left wondering.