If you’ve noticed flags flying at half-mast across the country and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. Flags are lowered to half-staff as a solemn sign of mourning, respect, and national tribute — ordered by the President, state governors, or authorized officials. Here is a complete breakdown of why the flags are at half-mast today and what’s been happening across the nation this week.
What Does “Half-Mast” Actually Mean?
Before diving into the current reasons, it helps to understand the terminology. Technically, half-staff refers to flags flown on land, while half-mast is the nautical term used on ships. However, both phrases are widely used interchangeably by the public. When a flag is flown at half-staff or half-mast, it is lowered to a position halfway down the flagpole as a mark of mourning, grief, or respect for the deceased.
Only the President of the United States has the authority to order the American flag to be flown at half-staff nationwide. State governors can issue similar orders within their respective states.
Why Are the Flags at Half-Mast Today? — Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15)
The primary nationwide reason flags were ordered to half-staff on May 15 is in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day, a federally recognized occasion that falls every year on May 15.
President Donald Trump formally proclaimed May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 10 through May 16 as Police Week, calling on governors, territories, and officials across the United States to direct that flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on this day.
In his proclamation, President Trump stated the day is a time to “pay tribute to the men and women of law enforcement who have devoted their lives to safeguarding our families and communities,” while also honoring the memory of fallen officers who gave their lives protecting their fellow citizens. The proclamation also recognized officers injured in the line of duty and the families who stood faithfully beside them.
A Brief History of Peace Officers Memorial Day
Peace Officers Memorial Day is part of National Police Week, an annual observance established by Congress and held each May. It was first authorized by a joint resolution on October 1, 1962 (Public Law 87-726), and designates May 15 of each year as the official day of tribute. It is one of only a limited number of days each year when flags are formally lowered nationwide under federal tradition.
Throughout Police Week, memorial ceremonies, community events, and tributes take place across the country, with families, colleagues, and officials gathering to remember those who have died in service to their communities.
Nebraska: Honoring a Long-Missing WWII Airman
Alongside the nationwide observance, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen issued a separate half-staff directive on May 15 to honor Staff Sergeant Robert A. Keuchel, a World War II airman whose remains were only recently recovered. This state-level order reflects a more personal and long-delayed military commemoration, honoring a soldier whose sacrifice had gone unrecognized for decades.
Louisiana: Eight Days of Mourning for the “Eternal 8” — Shreveport Mass Shooting Victims
One of the most heartbreaking reasons for flags flying at half-staff this week involves the state of Louisiana. Governor Jeff Landry issued an executive order directing U.S. and Louisiana state flags to be flown at half-staff from May 9 through May 17 to honor the eight children killed in the April 19 mass shooting in Shreveport’s Cedar Grove neighborhood.
The victims — known collectively as the “Eternal 8” — ranged in age from just 3 to 11 years old. Seven of them were siblings, and the eighth was their cousin. The shooting was carried out by Shamar Elkins, despite his prior felony firearms conviction.
Their names and the mourning schedule were as follows:
- May 9 — Jayla Elkins, age 3
- May 10 — Shayla Elkins, age 5
- May 11 — Kayla Pugh, age 6
- May 12 — Layla Pugh, age 7
- May 13 — Markaydon Pugh, age 10
- May 14 — Braylon Snow, age 5
- May 16 — Khedarrion Snow, age 6
- May 17 — Sariahh Snow, age 11
A funeral was held on May 9 at Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, where eight white caskets lined the sanctuary. Gold crowns and white flowers were placed on each casket. Families, faith leaders, elected officials, and supporters from across the country attended — including former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords.
Governor Landry’s resolution, read at the service, stated that the children “were the light of their homes and the heart of their classrooms,” adding, “It is incumbent upon us to honor the memory of those lost by standing together against such senseless violence.”
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux expressed the city’s condolences, saying, “May we honor them by carrying forward the gentleness, joy and love they so freely shared.”
U.S. Representative Cleo Fields captured the broader sentiment powerfully: “This is not a Shreveport mourning. This is a nation mourning.”
Other Recent State-Level Half-Staff Orders (May 2025)
Beyond the two most prominent reasons above, several state governors have issued their own half-staff orders in recent weeks for a variety of reasons:
- Wisconsin — Governor Tony Evers ordered flags to half-staff on May 14 in honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day.
- Washington State — Flags were lowered on May 13 in honor of a former State Supreme Court Justice.
- Indiana — Flags were lowered on May 17 in tribute to Officer Don “DJ” Keller of the Greenwood Police Department.
- Nebraska (WWII Veteran) — Flags were lowered on May 15 to honor Staff Sgt. Robert A. Keuchel upon the return of his remains.
- Michigan — Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered flags lowered on May 8 to honor former state Representative Steve Boccieri.
- Arizona — Flags were lowered on May 7 in honor of the interment of retired Maj. Gen. Glen W. “Bill” Van Autreve.
- Maryland — Multiple half-staff orders were issued throughout May for fallen law enforcement officers and public servants.
When Else Are Flags Lowered to Half-Staff?
There are several recurring dates and event types that regularly prompt half-staff orders across the United States:
| Occasion | Date/Trigger |
|---|---|
| Peace Officers Memorial Day | May 15 (annual) |
| National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day | May 3 (annual) |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday of May |
| Patriot Day (9/11) | September 11 |
| Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day | December 7 |
| Death of a President or former President | Presidential proclamation |
| Death of a sitting official or dignitary | Presidential or gubernatorial order |
| National tragedies or mass casualty events | Presidential proclamation |
Who Can Order Flags to Half-Staff?
Understanding who has the authority to order flags lowered is important:
- The President of the United States — Can order all federal flags and encourages all flags nationwide to be flown at half-staff.
- State Governors — Can order flags at state buildings within their jurisdiction to be lowered, and often encourage private entities and individuals to do the same.
- The Governor of a Territory — Has the same authority within their territory.
Private citizens and businesses are always encouraged but never legally required to follow half-staff orders, except in cases where they are a federal contractor or operate under specific regulations.
How to Stay Informed About Half-Staff Orders
Half-staff orders can happen at any time — for planned observances, unexpected national tragedies, or the passing of prominent figures. Here are some reliable ways to stay updated:
- WhiteHouse.gov — Official presidential proclamations are published here.
- Your state governor’s official website — State-specific orders are posted here.
- FlagsExpress.com/blog/flags-half-staff/ — A reliable tracker of both federal and state-level orders.
- Local news outlets — Often the fastest source for newly issued orders.
What Should You Do When Flags Are at Half-Staff?
If you fly the American flag at your home or business, you are always encouraged — but not legally mandated — to lower it in accordance with official half-staff orders. Here’s the proper procedure:
- Raise the flag briskly to the top of the pole first.
- Then slowly lower it to half-staff.
- When lowering the flag at the end of the day, raise it again to the top before bringing it all the way down.
This practice of first raising the flag to full height before lowering it is a sign of respect — a symbolic acknowledgment that the flag is not simply falling, but is being intentionally honored.
Why Are Flags at Half Mast Today in Tennessee?
Flags in Tennessee were recently flown at half-mast to honor Peace Officers Memorial Day, a nationwide tribute recognizing law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. The observance is part of National Police Week and follows a presidential proclamation ordering U.S. flags lowered from sunrise to sunset. Tennessee also follows additional state-specific half-staff orders when honoring public officials, first responders, or local tragedies. As of today, Tennessee’s official flag status has returned to full staff.
Why Are Flags at Half Mast Today in Iowa?
Flags in Iowa were flown at half-mast in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day, recognizing law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Governor Kim Reynolds ordered all U.S. and Iowa flags lowered from sunrise to sunset across public buildings, schools, and government facilities statewide. The observance is part of National Police Week and follows a presidential proclamation honoring fallen officers and their service to communities across America.
Final Thoughts
Flags at half-mast are never a coincidence. Each lowering carries the weight of a name, a story, or a collective grief. Whether it’s a fallen police officer, a child taken too soon, a veteran finally brought home, or a national observance decades in the making — the flag speaks for those who cannot. Taking a moment to understand why the flag is flying lower than usual is itself a small act of remembrance.
Did you notice the flags at half-staff today? Drop a comment below to share what prompted your search, and bookmark this page to stay informed whenever you see the flag lowered in your community.