You’re driving to work, or maybe just walking the dog, and you look up. There it is—the American flag sitting halfway down the pole. It’s a somber sight that usually triggers an immediate mental checklist. Did a former president pass away? Was there a national tragedy? Honestly, most of us just pull out our phones and search for why are the flags half-staff right now because the reasons can change from one town to the next.
National mourning isn’t always about one big event. Sometimes, the flag is lowered for a local hero you’ve never heard of, while other times it’s a blanket order from the White House. This January has been particularly busy on the flagpoles.
The Big Reason: Remembering Vice President Dick Cheney
The most widespread reason you’re seeing the flag at half-staff today, January 18, 2026, is the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney. When a former VP dies, the protocols aren’t just a suggestion; they are literally written into federal law under the U.S. Flag Code.
By presidential order, the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff for 10 days following the death of a Vice President. This applies to all federal buildings, military bases, and naval vessels across the globe. Since Cheney was such a pivotal—and often controversial—figure in American history, his passing has triggered a full national mourning period. You’ll see this reflected in almost every state until the official period concludes.
State-Level Proclamations: Arizona and Beyond
If you live in Arizona, the flag isn't just low for Cheney. Governor Katie Hobbs also issued a specific order to honor former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich. This sort of "double mourning" happens more often than you'd think.
Arizona is actually still under a standing order for Brnovich that began earlier this week. He served two terms as the state’s top prosecutor and was a fixture in local law enforcement and gaming oversight. When a state figure like that passes, the Governor has the authority to lower the flags at all state-owned buildings, even if there isn't a national order in place. It’s a way for the local community to say thanks for the service.
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Other Local Orders to Keep an Eye On
- New Jersey: Governor Murphy has been active with executive orders lately. While a recent order for a state legislator just expired on the 17th, another one (Executive Order No. 413) is slated to start in just a few days for a public servant.
- Minnesota: Governor Tim Walz recently had flags lowered for Firefighter Andy Ziegler, who passed in the line of duty. While that specific window has mostly closed, local firehouses often keep their individual flags at half-staff for longer as a sign of brotherhood.
- Kansas: Governor Laura Kelly has been ordering flags down for several local leaders this month, including former Mayor Evora Wheeler and Secretary Richard Carlson.
Basically, if you see a flag low at a post office, it’s likely for Cheney. If you see it low at a state courthouse or a local school, it could be for a local leader or a first responder who gave everything for their community.
How the U.S. Flag Code Actually Works
Most people think "half-mast" and "half-staff" are the same thing. Technically, they aren't. "Half-mast" is for ships. "Half-staff" is for land. If you want to sound like an expert at your next BBQ, that's the distinction to make.
The U.S. Flag Code (4 U.S.C. § 7) is the rulebook. It says only the President or a Governor can order the flag to be lowered. A Mayor can ask for it, but they don't technically have the legal authority to order it for the whole city under federal guidelines—though people usually follow along anyway because it’s the respectful thing to do.
There’s also a specific way to do it. You don't just hoist it halfway and stop. You have to briskly run the flag to the very top (the "peak") for a moment, and then slowly lower it to the middle. When you take it down at night, you have to run it back to the top again before lowering it all the way. It’s a bit of a process, but it’s all about the symbolism of the "space" left at the top for the invisible flag of death or mourning.
Why Some Flags Stay Up
You might notice the flag at the car dealership down the street is still at the top. Are they being disrespectful? Probably not. Private businesses aren't legally required to follow half-staff proclamations. While many do it out of respect, others simply don't have the staff on hand to change it every time a new order comes out.
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It's also worth noting that the "right way" to display a flag at half-staff involves having a pole that allows for it. Some residential flags that are fixed to a house at a 45-degree angle can't be lowered. In those cases, the American Legion suggests attaching a black crepe streamer to the top of the pole to show you’re in mourning.
Actionable Steps for Flag Owners
If you manage a building or just have a pole in your yard, here is how you should handle the current situation:
1. Check the timeline: For Vice President Cheney, the national mourning period typically lasts 10 days from the date of death. Check the official White House proclamation for the exact "return to full staff" time, which is usually at sunset on the final day.
2. Follow the "Peak" rule: Always hoist to the top before lowering to the middle. This is the most common mistake people make.
3. Subscribe to alerts: Since governors can issue orders on a whim for local tragedies or passing of dignitaries, it’s best to sign up for email alerts from your state’s Secretary of State website. It saves you from having to wonder why are the flags half-staff right now every time you leave the house.
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4. Respect the lighting: If you’re leaving the flag at half-staff overnight, it must be illuminated. If you don't have a spotlight, you should take it down at sunset and put it back up at sunrise.
The flag is a living symbol. When it's lowered, it’s a collective pause for the country or the state. Whether it's for a Vice President like Cheney or a local detective in Maryland, it’s a reminder that service to the public carries a weight that we all recognize, even if it's just by noticing a flag a few feet lower than usual.
Check your local state government portal for any sudden updates, as governors often add "day of interment" orders that only last for 24 hours. Keep your eyes on the horizon and stay informed.
Next Steps:
- Verify your state's current executive orders via the Governor's official press release page.
- Ensure your flag lighting is functional if you intend to keep it at half-staff tonight.
- Mark your calendar for the sunset time on the final day of the Cheney proclamation to return your flag to full-staff.