Who Can Order Flags to Half Staff

Who Can Order Flags to Half Staffの基本情報から最新動向までを一挙に解説しました。

Now, what about state tragedies? That’s where your Governor steps in. They can order flags in their state—and only their state—to half-staff. If a beloved state senator dies, or a local hero is lost, the Governor gets the nod. It’s like a state-level “we’re all in this together” vibe. But here’s the kicker: they can’t boss around federal buildings. Those answer to the President only. So if you see a half-staff flag at the post office, it’s because Washington said so, not Sacramento.

Fun fact: Governors can also order flags for their own deaths? Well, technically, the Lieutenant Governor takes over and issues the order. It’s a little morbid to think about, but hey, that’s government planning for you. They’ve got a spreadsheet for everything.

Horwitz: Just keep the flag at half-staff

The Mayor? Uh, Not So Fast

What about your friendly neighborhood Mayor? Can Mayor Smith order the town’s flagpole to half-staff because the high school mascot died? Nope. Sorry, Mayor. Mayors don’t have that power for federal or state flags. But they can order a city flag to half-staff—if the city has one. That’s the polite, local workaround. It’s like ordering a custom cake when you can’t change the bakery’s menu.

So if you see a half-staff flag at city hall, it’s probably their flag, not the Stars and Stripes. Don’t get fooled by local pride. The U.S. flag is a federal diva—she only takes orders from the top.