As of December 20, 2024, several states have ordered flags to be flown at half-staff today and over the coming weekend.
These gestures serve as solemn tributes to individuals who have served their communities and country, as well as to the memory of significant historical events.
Wisconsin
Governor Tony Evers has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from December 16 to 22, 2024, in honor of the victims of the shootings at Abundant Life Christian School.
As reported by Newsweek, one teacher and one teenage student were shot dead, in addition to the suspected shooter, student Natalie Rupnow, 15, at ALCS on December 16.
Six other people were injured, including two students left in critical condition.
The U.S. flag flies at half-staff atop the White House in Washington, D.C., on October 26, 2023. Five states will fly flags at half-staff on Friday, December 20, 2024, and over the same weekend to… The U.S. flag flies at half-staff atop the White House in Washington, D.C., on October 26, 2023. Five states will fly flags at half-staff on Friday, December 20, 2024, and over the same weekend to honor significant people and events. More Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP/Getty Images
Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of a slain deputy. As reported by Flags Express, on December 15, 2024, Corporal Elio Diaz was shot during a traffic stop in Charlotte Harbor and died at hospital. He is survived by his wife and four children.
A dedicated member of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office for 11 years, Diaz demonstrated “extraordinary courage and an unyielding commitment to safeguarding his community.” The tribute states that his service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. In his memory, the flags of the United States and the State of Florida will be flown at half-staff in Charlotte County from sunrise to sunset on Friday, December 20.
Arizona
As reported by Flags Express, Governor Katie Hobbs has ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, December 21, the day of Town of Marana Mayor Ed Honea’s interment. Part of a five-generation Marana family, the longtime public servant passed away on November 22, 2024.
Hobbs issued the following statement: “I offer my sincere condolences on the passing of Mayor Ed Honea, a devoted leader who dedicated nearly 40 years to Marana. His unwavering service and deep love for the community will leave a lasting legacy for generations. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.”
Individuals, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
South Carolina
Governor Henry McMaster has ordered that flags atop the State Capitol be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, December 20, 2024, to honor Kay Patterson and recognize his remarkable legacy and lifetime of service to South Carolina. This includes his contributions as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives and the South Carolina Senate.
The governor also requests that flags at state buildings and those of political subdivisions across the State be similarly flown at half-staff in tribute.
Maryland
Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Friday, December 20, 2024. This is for former State Delegate James E. Malone, Jr., who died on Monday, December 16, 2024.
Newsweek contacted Moore’s office for further comment via email outside of working hours on Friday.