Why are flags flying at half mast: Flag status today,Texas,California,Minnesota

If you’ve noticed flags flying halfway up the flagpole, you may wonder: What’s happening? Why are flags at “half-mast” (or in U.S. parlance, “half-staff”)? The practice symbolizes mourning, respect, or remembrance after a loss or tragedy. In this article, we’ll explain what half-staff means, the rules in the United States, the typical reasons for such orders, and the current flag status in Texas, California, and Minnesota.

What Does “Flag at Half-Staff” Mean?

The terms “half-mast” and “half-staff” are often used interchangeably, though technically there’s a difference. “Mast” refers to a ship’s mast, while “staff” refers to a flagpole on land. In U.S. usage, the proper term is “half-staff.”

The idea of lowering a flag from its peak has symbolic weight: it represents respect, mourning, or a pause in celebration. The space left above the flag symbolizes an invisible flag of death or mourning flying above the visible one.

Origins and Symbolism

The practice of lowering flags dates back centuries. In maritime traditions, a flag flown halfway down the mast signaled distress or mourning. Over time, the gesture spread to land-based flagpoles and became a formal part of state and national ceremonies of respect.

Flag-Flying Etiquette

In the United States, there are specific rules for displaying the flag at half-staff:

• The flag should be raised briskly to the top before being lowered to half-staff.

• It should be raised to the top again before being taken down for the day.

• The “half-staff” position is roughly halfway down the flagpole, though it can vary based on size and height.

• When the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff, all other flags (such as state or organizational flags) should also be lowered or removed.

When and Why Flags Are Flown at Half-Staff

Federal Orders

In the U.S., the President can order the national flag to fly at half-staff to honor deceased government officials, military members, or victims of national tragedies. The order applies to all federal buildings, military posts, and U.S. embassies abroad.

State and Local Orders

Governors can order state flags, and often the U.S. flag on state property, to fly at half-staff in response to local events or the deaths of state officials, first responders, or soldiers. States also sometimes lower flags for national tragedies or days of remembrance.

Typical Reasons for Half-Staff Orders

Common reasons include:

• The death of a national leader such as a President or Senator.

• The death of a state governor, judge, or prominent official.

• Mass casualty events such as natural disasters or shootings.

• Designated memorial days like Memorial Day or Peace Officers Memorial Day.

• Honoring fallen soldiers, police officers, or firefighters.

On Memorial Day, for example, flags are flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full-staff for the rest of the day.

Limitations and Guidance

Not all flags everywhere are automatically lowered when an order is issued. Federal orders apply only to federal property, while private citizens and businesses are encouraged, but not required, to follow.

Flags flown 24 hours a day with illumination should still follow half-staff orders. If lowering the flag is unsafe due to weather or equipment issues, it may be better to remove it temporarily than to display it improperly.

Current Flag Status by State

Texas

According to the Office of the Texas Governor, the Texas flag is currently at full-staff. Texas law specifies when and how the state flag should be lowered. The Governor may issue proclamations to honor fallen officers, soldiers, or citizens.

For example, Texas flags were ordered to half-staff in July 2025 to honor victims of severe flooding. Unless a new proclamation has been issued, flags across Texas remain at full-staff.

What this means: If you see a flag at half-staff in Texas today, it’s likely for a local reason, or in response to a national presidential order.

California

California’s Governor occasionally orders flags to half-staff for significant events or losses. For instance, flags were lowered in January 2023 to honor victims of a mass shooting in Monterey Park.

At this moment, there is no publicly posted statewide half-staff order. California residents may still see some flags at half-staff locally if city officials or organizations choose to honor a specific person or event.

What this means: Unless a new order is released by the Governor, flags in California are likely at full-staff today.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, the Governor can direct both the U.S. and state flags on state property to fly at half-staff for specific occasions. A recent example occurred in September 2025, when flags were lowered statewide to honor fallen firefighters.

The Governor’s office posts flag-status notices to inform residents. If there’s no active notice, flags return to full-staff.

What this means: Unless the Governor has issued a new order for today, Minnesota flags are at full-staff.

Why You Might See a Half-Staff Flag Today

Even if no statewide order exists, you may still see flags at half-staff locally. Common reasons include:

1. Local officials or veterans being honored.

2. Recent tragedy or loss in the community.

3. Private institutions marking memorial observances.

4. A federal order not yet widely publicized.

5. Commemorative holidays.

How to Verify

If you’re unsure why a flag is at half-staff:

• Check your state governor’s official website for flag-status updates.

• Look at local government or city websites.

• Read current news articles or local bulletins.

• Some government buildings display notices explaining the reason for the order.

The Meaning Behind the Gesture

Mourning and Respect

Lowering the flag acknowledges loss, honors sacrifice, and reminds citizens of shared grief. It’s one of the few universally recognized symbols of respect.

Recognition of Service

Half-staff orders often honor fallen service members or first responders who gave their lives in service to others. The gesture connects public mourning to civic appreciation.

National Unity

When tragedy strikes, the half-staff flag becomes a visual symbol of unity — a sign that citizens stand together in grief a