Why flags are half-mast in five states today, this weekend (2024)

In five states across the country this weekend, flags are set to be flown at half-staff, to pay tribute to individuals who have died.

Among those being commemorated are a World War II soldier and the victims of one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history.

Under the U.S. Flag Code, flags can fly at half-staff to pay tribute following the death of a military member, government official or emergency first responder. The president, state governors and the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.

South Dakota

Why flags are half-mast in five states today, this weekend (1)

After more than 80 years, U.S. Army Corporal Robert A. Bartlett, of De Grey, is returning home and being laid to rest.

He was killed in July 1944 during World War II when his unit, Company A, 744th Tank Battalion, was engaged with German forces at Saint-Germain-d'Elle in France.

"My grandparents, who were his parents, learned of their son's death when they received a telegram," Janet Bartlett, his niece, told Keloland news.

Bartlett's remains were originally unaccounted for and interred at Normandy American Cemetery, while his name was placed on the Wall of the Missing.

In May, Bartlett's remains were accounted for using dental and anthropological analysis. He is set to be laid to rest with full military honors at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Blunt, a few miles away from his hometown of De Grey.

Nebraska

To honor Elmer Crumbley, a coach and an educator at Omaha Public Schools, all U.S. and state flags at City of Omaha facilities are due to be flown at half-staff on Friday, the day of his internment.

Elmer and his brother drowned in Cunningham Lake on July 31 after they entered the water to launch their fishing boat.

State Senator Justin Wayne, Crumbley's close friend, called him a "beacon of wisdom."

Florida

Lake County is honoring Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Link, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on August 2 during an ambush shooting.

Link, 28, was an Army Reserve veteran and served with the Polk County Sheriff's Office before joining the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

"I'm one of the chaplains at the sheriff's office, so he was my brother, and I … definitely support him and his family," Chaplain Dorthy Hooks told local network WKMG at a vigil for Links.

She added: "We believe in God. Praying and asking God to take us through this grieving process."

Hawaii

Why flags are half-mast in five states today, this weekend (2)

Hawaii continues to remember the 102 lives lost in the August 2023 Maui wildfires.

On the anniversary of the tragedy, U.S. and state flags at all state offices and agencies in Hawaii are due to fly at half-staff.

The wind-driven fires were the fifth deadliest in U.S. history. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the fires destroyed 2,200 structures and caused $5.5 billion worth of damages. The community of Lahaina was virtually destroyed.

On Wednesday, a new memorial, made by Soakai Taufa in the shape of a giant teardrop, was unveiled.

"Exactly one year ago, we lost cherished lives of mothers, fathers, grandparents, sons, daughters and friends. As we observe the one-year mark of the Maui Wildfires through commemorative events this weekend, let's honor their memories and never forget those we lost in Lahaina. Together, we will pave a path toward resilience and hope, preserve the spirit of Lahaina, and continue to rebuild with the community with strength and unity," Governor Josh Green said in a statement.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden spoke with Green and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen to discuss the Biden-Harris administration's ongoing support to the communities affected. In a statement, White House spokesperson Jeremy Edwards said: "As President Biden made clear when he and first lady Jill Biden visited Maui shortly after the fires subsided, the Biden-Harris Administration will be with the people of Maui every step of the way, no matter how long it takes."

Kansas

On August 1, firefighter Ty Voth died as he tried to put out a house fire in the suburb of Haysville. He had been with the Wichita Fire Department for five years.

"Ty Voth made the ultimate sacrifice, and he was taken much too soon. His dedication and selflessness will not be forgotten," said Governor Laura Kelly in a statement paying tribute to the 27-year-old firefighter.

"[Voth] was always good about being patient and taking time to make sure that the people in his group knew what was going on and that they can learn and do better," Wichita Fire Captain Keith Niemann told local network KWCH.

He added: "You can tell he was driven. He had just a natural talent."

Why flags are half-mast in five states today, this weekend (2024)

FAQs

Why are flags at half-mast today May 16, 2024 USA? ›

Governor Grisham ordered U.S. and New Mexico flags to half-staff May 16, 2024 to honor Jicarilla Apache Nation President Edward Velarde. Gov.

Why are flags at half-mast in the USA? ›

In most cases, an American flag flying at half-staff marks one of three observances: The death of a government official, military member, or emergency first responder. A national tragedy. Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance.

How long will flags be at half-mast? ›

Following the death of the President or a former President, the flag should be flown at half-staff for 30 days. Following the death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice, a retired Chief Justice of the United States or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the flag should be flown at half-staff for 10 days.

What is the flag status today in Texas? ›

The Texas flag is at full-staff today.

Why are flags out today, May 18, 2024? ›

Armed Forces Day, May 18th, 2024 – Full Staff. Memorial Day, May 27th, 2024 – American flag Half Mast until noon, POW/MIA flag Half-Mast all day.

Why are there 52 stars on the American flag? ›

How many stars and stripes are on the flag? There are 50 stars representing the 50 states and there are 13 stripes representing the 13 original colonies. from The CIA World Factbook.

Can you fly a flag at half-mast for anyone? ›

No, only the President of the United States or the Governor of your State may order the flag to be half-staffed. Those individuals and agencies that usurp authority and display the flag at half-staff on inappropriate occasions are quickly eroding the honor and reverence accorded this solemn act.

What are the 5 American flag rules? ›

Displaying the Flag
  • On Same Staff. U.S. flag at peak, above any other flag.
  • Grouped. U.S. flag goes to its own right. ...
  • Marching. U.S. flag to marchers right (observer's left).
  • On Speaker's Platform. ...
  • Decoration. ...
  • Salute. ...
  • Over a Street Union (stars) face north or east depending on the direction of the street.
  • Half Staff.

Are you supposed to take down the American flag when it rains? ›

Important Things to Remember

However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it's illuminated during darkness. The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag.

Can the United States flag be flown at night? ›

The Flag Code states it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

What does the white on the American flag stand for? ›

The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Why are American flags at half mast? ›

The president may order the flag to be flown at half-staff to mark the death of other officials, former officials, or foreign dignitaries. In addition to these occasions, the president may order half-staff display of the flag after other tragic events.

Why is there 6 flags Over Texas? ›

' The six flags comes from the six nations that have governed Texas during its history. These flags include Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States of America, and the Confederate States of America.

Can you fly the Texas flag over the U.S. flag? ›

No flag in any display shall fly above the U.S. or State of Texas flag.

Why are the flags at half-mast May 28th? ›

Jim Justice has issued a proclamation – in accordance with a presidential proclamation – ordering that all United States and West Virginia flags on all State-owned facilities be displayed at half-staff, continuing through sunset on Saturday, May 28, 2022, in honor and remembrance of the victims of the tragedy at Robb ...

Is the flag at half-mast on Memorial Day? ›

When should the flag be at half-staff? Answer: (a) The flag is half-staffed on Memorial Day, from sunrise until noon; it is displayed at full-staff from noon until sunset. (b) By order of the President of the United States, or by the Governor of any State, territory or possession.

When may the US flag be flown at night? ›

Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it's illuminated during darkness.

Which holidays to fly the American flag? ›

Flag Holidays
Independence DayJuly 4th
Korean War Veterans DayJuly 27th
Labor Day1st Monday in September
Patriot DaySeptember 11th
25 more rows

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