Honestly, if you’re driving through Austin or past a local courthouse and see the Lone Star flag sagging halfway down the pole, it’s natural to feel that little tug of concern. It usually means the state is grieving. But keeping track of every single proclamation coming out of the Governor’s office is basically a full-time job.
Today, January 15, 2026, the reason for the Texas flag half mast status is tied to a specific order of remembrance. While many people assume it’s always for a national tragedy, Texas often lowers its colors for local heroes—first responders, long-serving public servants, or even as part of a multi-day mourning period for a national figure that hasn’t quite wrapped up yet.
The Real Reason for the Lowered Flags Right Now
Today's specific status often traces back to the passing of a significant state figure or a first responder who died in the line of duty. According to the Texas Government Code, specifically Chapter 3100, Governor Greg Abbott has the sole authority to mandate that the state flag be lowered across the entire state.
If you're seeing the flag at half-staff today, it's likely due to one of the following active proclamations:
- Honoring local public servants: Often, the flag remains lowered for several days following the death of a prominent former official. For instance, recent honors have been granted for dedicated public servants who left a lasting mark on their specific districts.
- Line-of-duty deaths: Texas is incredibly protective of its Peace Officers. If a state trooper or local sheriff is lost, the Governor frequently issues a statewide order that stays in effect until the day of interment.
- National Mourning Overlap: Sometimes, a Presidential proclamation for a national figure (like a former President or Supreme Court Justice) dictates that the U.S. flag be lowered. Because of the "Flag Code," the Texas flag must also be lowered to ensure it doesn't fly higher than the American flag.
How the Process Actually Works (It’s Kinda Technical)
People think someone just decides to pull the rope on a whim. Nope. It's actually a pretty rigid legal process. The Governor’s office sends out a formal "Flag Proclamation" to every state agency.
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"By order of the Governor, the flags of the State of Texas and the United States of America shall be lowered to half-staff... as a mark of respect to the memory of [Name]."
This usually includes a specific timeframe—sometimes just from sunrise to sunset, other times for a full 30 days if it's a former President. If you see the flag back up tomorrow, it simply means the "interment" or the official mourning period has concluded.
The Five "Automatic" Days
There are actually five days a year where you don't even need the Governor to say anything; the flag goes down automatically. If today were one of these, you'd have your answer:
- Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15)
- Memorial Day (Half-staff only until noon!)
- Patriot Day (September 11)
- National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service (First Sunday in October)
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7)
Since today is January 15, we are outside those "automatic" dates, meaning the current status is a direct result of a specific, recent proclamation.
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Misconceptions About the Lone Star Flag
You've probably heard the myth that Texas is the only state allowed to fly its flag at the same height as the U.S. flag. That’s actually a bit of a Texas tall tale. While the Texas flag is flown at the same height, any state can do that—as long as the U.S. flag is to the "observer's left."
The real rule is about the "position of honor." When the flag is half-mast, it signifies that the "invisible flag of death" is flying at the top of the pole. It's a somber tradition that dates back centuries to naval customs.
What You Should Do If You Own a Flag
If you’re a business owner or just have a pole in your front yard, you aren't legally forced to follow the Governor's proclamation, but it's considered proper etiquette.
Basically, you should:
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- Raise it briskly to the very top first.
- Lower it slowly to the halfway point.
- When taking it down at night, raise it to the top again before fully lowering it.
If your flag is attached to a house and can't be lowered (like those angled poles), the proper way to show mourning is to attach a black crepe streamer to the top of the pole. It's a subtle way to show you're in the loop without having to break out a ladder and mess with the hardware.
For the most up-to-the-minute updates on exactly which individual is being honored today, the best move is to check the Office of the Texas Governor’s official Press Office. They post the specific names and the duration of the mourning period as soon as the ink is dry on the proclamation.
Next Steps for You:
Check the official Texas Governor's Flag Status page to see the specific name of the individual being honored today. If you are flying a flag at your home or business, ensure you follow the "raise to the peak first" rule to maintain proper protocol.