You’re driving to work, maybe sipping a lukewarm coffee, when you glance at the post office or a local school and notice it. The stars and stripes aren't where they usually are. They’ve been shimmed down the pole. It’s a somber sight that instantly makes you wonder: what happened?
Most people assume there’s been a national tragedy whenever they see the flag at half-staff. Sometimes that's true. But often, it's a more localized tribute that you might have missed in the 24-hour news cycle. If you are asking why is flag half mast today, January 16, 2026, the answer depends heavily on where you are standing.
The Specific Proclamations for January 16, 2026
Right now, several states are observing periods of mourning. If you’re in New Jersey, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order No. 412. This order directs all U.S. and state flags to fly at half-staff starting today, Friday, January 16, through sunset tomorrow, January 17. This is to honor a dedicated legislator and public servant.
Out west in Arizona, the flags are lowered for a different reason. Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags to stay at half-staff to honor the memory of former Attorney General Mark Brnovich. He was a major figure in Arizona law for years, and the state is taking time to recognize his two terms of service.
Meanwhile, in Louisiana, flags were lowered yesterday and may still be transitioning back or held for local services for the Honorable Robert "Bob" Kostelka.
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It’s a lot to keep track of. Basically, while there isn't a single "national" reason for the flag to be down today, multiple states are mourning their own leaders and heroes simultaneously.
Who Actually Decides Why Is Flag Half Mast?
Contrary to what some neighborhood "experts" might tell you, not just anyone can officially order a flag to half-staff. Under the U.S. Flag Code, this authority is strictly limited to two roles:
- The President of the United States.
- The Governor of a state, territory, or possession.
The Mayor of the District of Columbia also has this power for D.C.
Occasionally, you'll see a local fire chief or a principal lower a flag for a local hero. Technically, the Flag Code doesn't stop private citizens from doing this on their own property—it's more of a set of guidelines than a law with "flag police" behind it. But for those official flags over the courthouse or the post office? That takes a proclamation.
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The "Silent" Holidays
There are certain days of the year when the flag is always lowered. You don’t need a new news report to tell you why. If it's one of these dates, that’s your answer:
- May 15: Peace Officers Memorial Day (unless it falls on Armed Forces Day).
- Last Monday in May: Memorial Day. Note the weird rule here: the flag is only at half-staff until noon, then it’s hoisted to the top.
- September 11: Patriot Day.
- December 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
- First Sunday in October: Generally the start of Fire Prevention Week, used for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.
Why We Do It: The "Invisible Flag" Theory
There’s a bit of history here that’s actually kinda cool. The tradition of "half-mast" (usually a maritime term, while "half-staff" is used on land) dates back hundreds of years to naval ships.
The idea was that by lowering the visible flag, you were leaving room for the invisible flag of Death to fly at the top of the mast. It’s a heavy concept. It’s a way of saying that even the highest symbols of a nation bow before the weight of loss.
Rules Most People Get Wrong
If you’re the one responsible for the flag at your office or home, there’s a specific "dance" you have to do. You don't just pull the flag halfway up and call it a day.
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First, you have to hoist the flag briskly to the very peak of the pole for a split second. Only then do you slowly lower it to the half-staff position. When it’s time to take it down at sunset, you have to hoist it back to the top again before bringing it all the way down.
Also, if you have a flag that’s fixed to the side of your house (the kind on a short pole that doesn't have a pulley), you obviously can't slide it down. In those cases, the accepted "pro" move is to attach a black mourning ribbon to the top of the pole.
What to Do If You See a Flag Down
Honestly, if you see a flag at half-staff and can't find a reason on the national news, check your governor's official website. Most states have a "Flag Status" page that is updated the second a proclamation is signed.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, you can sign up for email alerts from sites like HalfStaff.org or FlagandBanner.com. They track these proclamations in real-time so you aren't the only one on the block with your flag at the top when everyone else is in mourning.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Local News: If you're in New Jersey or Arizona today, the half-staff status is for a specific state leader.
- Inspect Your Hardware: If you want to participate but have a fixed wall-mount pole, purchase a black mourning ribbon to have on hand.
- Bookmark the Governor’s Site: Find your specific state’s "Flag Status" page and save it. It’s the only way to be 100% sure about local proclamations.
- Observe the Noon Rule: If you're reading this on Memorial Day, remember to raise that flag back to the top once the clock hits 12:00 PM.