Did you notice flags flying at half-staff in California? This is why
Have you noticed flags flying at half-staff?
You’re not alone. Flags have been lowered on flagpoles at state and federal buildings across California.
This is why:
Why are flags at half-staff in California?
In each state, the governor is responsible for issuing flag directives.
Each year, there are pre-determined dates for lowered flags, and the Governor of California’s Office announces any additional dates as necessary.
In the past, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for lowered flags in recognition of federal holidays such as Memorial Day, cultural events such as Lunar New Year and specific people such as police officers and U.S. Marines who died.
On Sunday, Newsom announced that flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space would be flown at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter.
The 39th president and former Georgia governor died Sunday at age 100,
In an official statement on Sunday, Newsom called Carter “a man of rare character whose beliefs ran true and ran deep, whose moral compass never wavered.”
“President Carter’s candor and compassion, moral leadership and sense of duty set a standard we all should aspire to,” Newsom said. “His enduring example reminds us that we can still find common ground despite our differences.
In general, flag directives include a requirement for state buildings, and an invitation for others to lower their flags as well.
In addition, the president of the United States can issue directives for flags on federal property that echoed on state levels through governor’s offices.
Why are flags at half-mast at post offices? Government buildings?
On Sunday, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation commemorating Carter and ordering U.S. flags at “all public buildings and grounds” to be flown at half-staff for a 30-day period of mourning.
That includes federal government facilities such as U.S. Postal Service offices as well as military posts and naval stations.
In addition, flags will be flown at half-mast on U.S. naval vessels.
“President Carter was a man of character, courage and compassion, whose lifetime of service defined him as one of the most influential statesmen in our history,” Biden said in his proclamation. “He embodied the very best of America: A humble servant of God and the people. A heroic champion of global peace and human rights, and an honorable leader whose moral clarity and hopeful vision lifted our nation and changed our world.”
Biden also appointed Thursday, Jan. 9, as a national day of mourning.
This story was originally published December 30, 2024 at 11:39 AM.
