You’re driving to work in Austin or maybe grabbing a morning taco in San Antonio, and you look up. There it is. The Lone Star flag isn't at the top of the pole. It’s sitting halfway down, looking a bit lonely and somber against the blue sky.
Naturally, you wonder: why are the flags half mast in Texas today?
Honestly, in a state as big as Texas, there’s usually a specific reason, but it’s not always a national tragedy. Sometimes it's a local hero. Other times, it's a "silent" day of remembrance that didn't make the front page of the morning paper.
The Immediate Answer for January 18, 2026
If you are seeing flags at half-staff across the state right now, it is likely tied to a specific proclamation from Governor Greg Abbott. As of this morning, flags are being lowered to honor the recent passing of a significant Texas public servant or in observance of a specific day of mourning designated by the state.
While there isn't a massive national event today, Texas often uses this gesture to recognize the "smaller" giants—former state representatives, local judges, or first responders who gave everything to their communities.
One thing you've gotta realize? Texas is very particular about its flag code. If the Governor says they go down, they go down everywhere from the Panhandle to the Valley.
Why Do We Actually Do This?
Lowering the flag—or "half-staffing" it—is basically the visual version of a moment of silence. It’s an old naval tradition that eventually made its way to land. The idea was to leave space at the top of the pole for the "invisible flag of death" to fly. Sorta dark, right? But it stuck.
In Texas, the rules are governed by the Texas Government Code Chapter 3100. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s the law for state buildings.
Who makes the call?
Only three people can officially order the flags to half-staff in Texas:
- The President of the United States: For national figures or tragedies.
- The Governor of Texas: For state-specific mourning or local heroes.
- Local Authorities: Sometimes a Mayor or County Judge will order it specifically for their jurisdiction, though it’s less common for the whole state to follow suit unless the Governor signs off.
The "Silent" Half-Mast Days You Might Not Know
Sometimes the flags are down and there wasn’t a "new" news event that morning. That’s because certain days are pre-scheduled for mourning.
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Think about Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) or Patriot Day (September 11). On these days, it’s automatic. If today happens to fall on a day of local significance—perhaps the anniversary of a major Texas event like the 2025 Central Texas floods—the Governor might have issued a recurring order of remembrance.
Actually, speaking of those floods, Texas recently spent several days in mourning for the victims of the July 4th disaster from last year. It shows that the state doesn't forget its own easily.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Protocol
I see this all the time. People think if the U.S. flag is at half-staff, the Texas flag stays at the top.
Wrong.
Texas protocol is very clear: no flag flies higher than the U.S. flag. If the American flag is lowered, the Texas flag must be lowered to the same level. If only the Texas flag is ordered to half-staff by the Governor, the U.S. flag can actually stay at the top, though most places will lower both just to keep things looking uniform.
And here is a weird little detail: you aren't supposed to just hoist it halfway and stop.
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The "correct" way is to briskly pull the flag all the way to the top of the pole for a second, then slowly lower it to the halfway mark. When you take it down at the end of the day, you have to pull it back to the top again before bringing it all the way down. It’s about showing respect through the movement itself.
How to Check the Status Yourself
If you’re ever curious and don't want to hunt through news sites, the Office of the Texas Governor actually maintains a "Flag Status" page. It’s the source of truth.
- Check the Proclamations: Look for the most recent press releases from the Governor’s office.
- Social Media: Local sheriffs and fire departments are usually the first to post about why they’ve lowered their flags.
- National Alerts: Sites like HalfStaff.org track these things in real-time.
The Impact of a Half-Mast Flag
It’s easy to get caught up in the "why" and forget the "who."
Whenever you see those flags lowered, it means a family somewhere in Texas is likely grieving. Whether it’s for a politician who spent thirty years in the statehouse or a soldier who didn't come home, the flag is our way of saying, "We see you."
It’s a quiet, heavy way of acknowledging that some things are bigger than our daily commute.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify the Order: If you own a business or manage a government building, check the Governor's official site to ensure you are following the correct dates.
- Adjust Your Flag: If you have a home flagpole, remember the "up to the top, then down to the middle" rule to stay within proper etiquette.
- Read the Proclamation: Take two minutes to search the name mentioned in the Governor's order. Knowing the story of the person being honored turns a "why are the flags down" question into a genuine moment of respect.