Today United States flags are flying at half-staff across federal buildings and many state facilities because the nation is officially mourning the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney. He died on November 3, 2025 at the age of 84 from complications of pneumonia and vascular disease. Flags were lowered immediately and will stay at half-staff until the interment is complete.
What prompted the half-staff order
The lowering of flags reflects a formal period of national respect and remembrance:
- Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States from 2001 to 2009.
- Upon his death, the federal government and many states ordered flags flown at half-staff in his honor.
- The directive covers flags on U.S. government buildings, military installations and state-run facilities.
How long will flags remain at half-staff?
- In the case of a former vice president, U.S. flag-protocol tradition calls for flags to be lowered from the date of death until the day of interment.
- Since the exact interment date has been announced for November 20, 2025, the flags will remain at half-staff up through that day and will be raised to full staff at sunset on interment day.
- Some states may issue additional proclamations for local facilities or extend the period slightly, depending on funeral-arrangement timing.
Which flags and where you’ll see them
- The primary U.S. flag on federal buildings is included under the order.
- State flags at capitols and official buildings in each state are often included when a governor issues a matching directive.
- Military bases and federal installations also follow the federal proclamation.
- Private citizens and businesses are encouraged, though not required, to lower their U.S. flags as a sign of respect.
Why this symbolic gesture matters
Flying flags at half-staff is a visible expression of collective mourning and tribute:
- It signals that the loss is shared across the nation rather than local or private.
- It honours the service of someone who held high office and had a national-level impact.
- It reminds the public of the solemnity of public service and the weight of national leadership.
- It encourages reflection on legacy, duty and the continuity of government tradition.
Quick timeline for this observance
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov 3, 2025 | Former Vice President Dick Cheney passes away. |
| Nov 4 – Nov 20, 2025 | Flags across the U.S. are ordered to half-staff until interment. |
| Nov 20, 2025 | Planned interment at Washington National Cathedral. |
What citizens and organizations can do
- If you fly the U.S. flag at your home or business, you may lower it to half-staff in accordance with federal or state guidance.
- Follow proper procedure: raise the flag briskly to the top of the pole, then slowly lower it to the half-staff position.
- After interment, raise it to full staff immediately or at sunset of that day.
- Use the moment as an opportunity for respectful acknowledgement—it is not a time for political debate, but for acknowledging service.
A few things to keep in mind
- The phrase “flags at half-mast today” is used widely, but technically the correct term for land-based flagpoles is “half-staff.” Common usage often uses “half-mast” interchangeably, however.
- The observance applies to the U.S. flag and, where directed, state flags. Some local flags may not participate unless directed by local officials.
- Once the interment is complete and flags are raised to full staff, the period of lowered flags ends. It does not signal any continuing state of crisis—it is an honour.
- Seeing flags at half-staff serves as a prompt: you may wonder why, and that question leads to recognition of the person being honoured.
In short, the reason why the flags are at half-mast today is that the nation is paying tribute to Dick Cheney, a former vice president whose death triggered a federal flag-lowering proclamation lasting until his interment. The gesture is about remembrance, respect and national unity.
We welcome your comments below—whoever saw the flags today, felt their meaning, or has reflections on the moment, feel free to share.