If you stepped outside this morning and saw the stars and stripes sitting halfway down the pole, you probably had that immediate, sinking feeling in your gut. It’s a reflex. We see it and instantly think: Who did we lose? Honestly, it’s one of those silent signals that stops you in your tracks. Today, January 15, 2026, those flags are lowered across several states, but the reasons are actually quite different depending on where you’re standing.
There isn't a single, nationwide presidential proclamation covering the entire country today. Instead, we have a bit of a patchwork of state-level honors. It’s kind of a heavy day for the first responders and public servants being remembered. If you're wondering why is flags half staff today, the answer likely depends on whether you're in Massachusetts, Louisiana, or Arizona.
The Tragic Loss in Massachusetts: Officer Stephen LaPorta
In Massachusetts, the flags have been at half-staff for a week now, but today marks a significant and final moment of respect. Governor Maura Healey ordered the flags lowered to honor Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta.
He was killed in the line of duty back on January 7. It’s a heartbreaking story—he was responding to a multi-vehicle crash and ended up making the ultimate sacrifice. Today, January 15, is the day of his interment. According to state protocol, the flags stay down until sunset on the day a hero is laid to rest. It’s a final salute from the Commonwealth to a man who spent his life protecting others.
Honoring Public Servants in Louisiana and Arizona
Down in Louisiana, things are a bit different. Governor Landry ordered flags to half-staff specifically for today to honor The Honorable Robert "Bob" Kostelka. He was a massive figure in the Louisiana legal and political scene, serving as a judge and a state senator. When someone like that passes—someone who basically spent decades in the "room where it happens" for their state—it’s standard for the governor to call for this kind of tribute.
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Then you’ve got Arizona. Governor Katie Hobbs has flags lowered for two very prominent figures right now. One is former Attorney General Mark Brnovich, who was a staple in Arizona politics for years. But the big name you might be hearing about is former Vice President Dick Cheney. Because of his rank as a former VP, flag protocols often extend until the day of interment. Since Arizona was his home for quite a while, the state is paying particular attention to his passing.
Why Do We Actually Do This?
Basically, the "Half-Staff" thing is governed by the U.S. Flag Code, specifically 4 U.S.C. § 7(m). It sounds super technical, but it’s essentially the rulebook for how we show national or state-level grief.
Usually, the President handles the national stuff—like when a sitting or former President dies, or after a major national tragedy. But Governors have the power to do this for their own states. They do it for:
- Active-duty military members from that state who were killed in action.
- First responders (police, fire, EMTs) killed in the line of duty.
- Former state officials or dignitaries.
You might have noticed I said "half-staff" and not "half-mast." People get these mixed up all the time. Technically, "half-mast" is for ships. If it’s on land, it’s "half-staff." Just a little trivia to keep in your back pocket.
Surprising Details About Flag Etiquette
Most people think you just hoist the flag halfway and call it a day. Nope. There’s a specific way to do it that's actually really poetic if you think about it.
When you’re raising the flag to half-staff, you have to briskly haul it all the way to the peak for an instant before slowly lowering it to the middle. It’s like a nod to the flag’s full glory before acknowledging the sorrow. When it comes down at sunset, you do the same thing—hoist it to the top again before bringing it all the way down.
What About Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Today is actually January 15, which is Dr. King's actual birthday. However, the federal holiday isn't until Monday, January 19 this year. A common misconception is that flags go to half-staff for MLK Day. They actually don't!
MLK Day is a "Federal Flag Flying Holiday," which means you’re encouraged to fly the flag at full staff to celebrate his legacy and the Civil Rights Movement. It’s a day of service and celebration, not a day of official mourning, unless a specific local proclamation is made for another reason.
Actionable Steps for Today
If you manage a building or have a flagpole at home, here is how you should handle things today based on your location:
- Check your State’s Executive Orders: If you are in Massachusetts, Louisiana, or Arizona, follow the specific sunset times for returning your flag to full staff (or keeping it lowered if the order extends).
- The Proper Technique: Remember the "up-to-the-top, then down-to-the-middle" rule. Doing it correctly shows you actually know the weight of the gesture.
- Stay Updated: Flag alerts change fast. Sometimes an order is extended because a funeral is delayed, or a new tragedy occurs. You can sign up for state-specific email alerts through most Governor’s office websites.
It’s easy to ignore the flags when they’re just waving up there every day. But when they drop, it's a reminder that someone's service meant something. Whether it’s a local officer in a small Massachusetts town or a former Vice President, it’s about a collective moment of silence.