Ever looked out the window on a random Tuesday or Friday and noticed the Stars and Stripes hanging a bit low? It's a weirdly somber feeling. You immediately start scrolling through your phone, wondering if something big happened that you somehow missed between your morning coffee and your first meeting.
If you’re seeing the flag at half-staff on Friday, January 16, 2026, there’s a very specific reason for it—though it might depend on exactly where you’re standing.
Honestly, the rules for when and why we lower the flag are kind of a patchwork of federal law and state-level decisions. Most of the time, it’s not a national tragedy. It’s a local moment of respect. Today is one of those days where the reason is highly specific to a couple of regions.
The specific reason for January 16, 2026
If you are in New Jersey, the flags are at half-staff because of Executive Order No. 412. Governor Phil Murphy ordered the U.S. and New Jersey flags to be lowered from sunrise today until sunset tomorrow, January 17th.
Why? To honor Congressman Dick Zimmer.
Zimmer was a pretty big deal in Jersey politics for decades. He was a Yale-educated lawyer who served in the New Jersey Assembly and the State Senate before heading to D.C. to represent the 12th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was known as a fiscal hawk—basically, he was obsessed with government transparency and spending. He passed away recently, and this is the state's way of saying "thank you" for a lifetime of public service.
But wait.
If you’re reading this from Australia, particularly in Queensland or the ACT, you’ll also see flags at half-mast today. This is for the State Funeral of the Honourable Ron Boswell AO. He was a powerhouse in the National Party and served in the Senate for over 30 years. He was a champion for small business and the fishing industry.
It’s a bit of a coincidence that two major political figures on opposite sides of the planet are being honored on the exact same Friday, but that’s how the news cycle goes sometimes.
Why is the flag at half mast today in other places?
Sometimes you’ll see a flag at half-staff even if there isn’t a proclamation from the Governor or the President.
It’s confusing, right?
Basically, local mayors or even private building owners sometimes lower their flags for local heroes—a fallen firefighter, a beloved teacher, or a long-time city council member. While the U.S. Flag Code is the "rulebook," it doesn't really have "flag police" who go around handing out tickets. People generally follow it out of respect, but local tradition often trumps the strict legalities.
Who actually has the power to lower the flag?
Only a few people can officially order the U.S. flag to half-staff:
- The President: For national figures or tragedies.
- Governors: For state officials or local residents who died in active military duty.
- The Mayor of D.C.: For D.C.-specific officials.
If you see a flag lowered at a car dealership or a local bank and there hasn't been a big news story, they might just be doing it as a private gesture of mourning for someone in their own community.
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The "half-staff" vs "half-mast" debate
Let’s get nerdy for a second.
Technically, if you're on land, it’s half-staff. If you're on a ship or at a naval base, it’s half-mast. People use them interchangeably, and honestly, nobody is going to jump down your throat for getting it "wrong," but if you want to sound like an expert at your next trivia night, now you know.
The physical act of lowering the flag has its own ritual too. You don't just hoist it halfway and stop. You’re supposed to briskly run it all the way to the top (the peak) for a moment, then slowly lower it to the halfway mark. When it’s time to take it down at the end of the day, you hoist it back to the top again before bringing it all the way down.
It’s all about the drama and the respect of the movement.
Common misconceptions about flag alerts
A lot of people think the flag goes down for every former member of Congress.
Not true.
It’s usually only done if the President or a Governor specifically calls for it. For example, President Trump recently ordered flags to be lowered for Charlie Kirk and Congressman Doug LaMalfa earlier this month. Those were national orders. The order for Dick Zimmer today is a state order.
This means if you're in New York or Pennsylvania today, you probably won't see the flags lowered unless there's a local reason I haven't mentioned.
What to do if you manage a flag
If you’re the person in charge of the flagpole at your office or school, staying on top of this is actually kind of a chore.
You can sign up for email alerts from your state government or the White House. Most people just check a site like HalfStaff.org or follow their local news.
If you missed the memo and the flag is still at the top, don't panic. Just lower it as soon as you realize. It’s the intention that matters most in flag etiquette.
Actionable next steps for today:
- Check your location: If you are in New Jersey, ensure your flags are at half-staff until sunset tomorrow.
- Verify the source: If you see a flag down in another state, check your Governor’s official website for a specific proclamation.
- Observe the ritual: Remember to hoist to the peak first before lowering to the half-way point.
- Spread the word: If neighbors ask, you can let them know about the tribute to Dick Zimmer or Ron Boswell depending on where you are.
The flag is more than just fabric; it's a communication tool. Today, it's telling a story of long-term service and the end of an era for a few dedicated public servants.