HALF-STAFF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should the flag be flown at half-staff?
What is the proper procedure to fly your flag at half-staff?
Who can order half-staffing?
What about half-staff to honor other citizens?
What if you can't lower your flag?
HALF-STAFF ALERTS
ENTIRE UNITED STATES: APRIL 21, 2025 THROUGH INTERMENT (UNKNOWN)
By the President of the United States of America - A Proclamation
As a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
ARIZONA : MARCH 14, 2025
Governor Katie Hobbs has ordered U.S. and Arizona flags to fly at half-staff to honor the life and legacy of U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva, who died today at age 77 after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than 20 years.
Flags should immediately be lowered to half-staff and remain so through sunset on March 14, 2025.
Governor Hobbs made the following statement: “I am devastated by the loss of Representative Raúl Grijalva and my heart is with his family and loved ones. He was a true champion for the people of our state. For over two decades, he was a fierce advocate for his constituents and a fighter to uplift Arizona’s most vulnerable communities, with a steadfast focus on ensuring justice for all. During his years of service, Congressman Grijalva worked tirelessly to protect our environment, expand health care to countless Arizonans, respect tribal sovereignty, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. To his last day, he remained a servant leader who put everyday people first while in office. I join every Arizonan in mourning his passing. May he rest in peace.”
Individuals, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
MISSOURI - MARCH 14, 2025
March 14, 2025 - Half-Staff Alert - Missouri
In honor of Johnson County Fire Protection District Captain Vernon Collett, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Johnson County, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Friday, March 14, 2025, from sunrise to sunset.
“Vernon Collett’s full-time job was with the Johnson County Road and Bridge Department, but he also had a calling to serve his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Johnson County Fire Protection District,” Governor Mike Kehoe said. “For over 29 years, Captain Collett responded to countless fires, vehicle crashes, and other emergencies. He died fulfilling the responsibility he had taken on in order to protect others. We will remember Captain Collett as a model public servant who selflessly supported his community.” On March 8, Captain Collett, 60, responded and was extinguishing a controlled burn that had grown out of control when he collapsed from a medical emergency and died at the scene.
The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Captain Collett is laid to rest.
