Why Are Flags at Half-Staff Across the US Today?

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Flags across the United States are flying at half-staff to honor President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29 at the age of 100.

President Joe Biden issued a proclamation directing the lowering of flags at all public buildings, military posts and naval vessels.

Half-staff
A flag flies at half-staff on the U.S. Capitol on January 2. Flags across the United States are flying at half-staff to honor the late President Jimmy Carter. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Why It Matters

Flying flags at half-staff is a solemn national tradition to honor individuals who have made significant contributions or suffered tragic losses.

Carter, the longest-living president and a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, is remembered not only for his time in the White House but also for his public service and advocacy for human rights and humanitarian causes following his presidency.

What To Know

Flags will remain at half-staff for Carter for 30 days following his death, as ordered by the White House. This period coincides with a national day of mourning on Thursday, which was declared by Biden. Thursday is also the day of his funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral and subsequent interment in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.

In addition to the flag national order from Biden, two state governors have ordered flags to remain at half-staff to acknowledge local tragedies.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey directed flags to remain lowered on Thursday for the funeral of Lieutenant Mark Meadows, an Irondale police officer who was killed on Monday while directing traffic.

Mississippi flags will remain at half-staff on Thursday for Nikyra Dedeaux, a victim of the New Orleans truck attack on New Year's Day, and again on January 17 for Matthew Tenedorio, another victim of the attack, which killed 14 and injured more than two dozen. Both were honored with proclamations signed by Governor Tate Reeves.

How Long Will Flags Stay at Half-Staff?

Flags will remain at half-staff for Carter for 30 days following his death, ending January 27, as stipulated in the White House proclamation.

When Was the Last Time Flags Were at Half-Staff?

Before this current period of mourning, flags were last lowered nationally on December 7, 2024, to mark National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. It marked the 83rd anniversary of the surprise Japanese attack that brought the U.S. into World War II.

What Is the Difference Between Half-Mast and Half-Staff?

The terms half-mast and half-staff are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings. Half-mast refers to flags flown on ships or naval stations, while half-staff is used for flags on land.

What People Are Saying

President Joe Biden said in a December 29 statement: "I do further appoint January 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States. I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance."

What Happens Next

Flags will remain flying at half-staff for Carter until January 27.

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