Today, the American flag is flying at half-staff across federal buildings and many state facilities as the nation honors former Vice President Dick Cheney, who died on November 3, 2025 at the age of 84.
Flags will remain at half-staff from the date of death through the interment, as ordered by several states and reported in national flag-status registries.
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What triggered the half-staff order
The lowering of the flag to half-staff is a formal recognition of the passing of a high-ranking public official. In this case:
- Dick Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States from 2001 to 2009.
- His family confirmed his death on November 3, 2025 due to complications from pneumonia and vascular disease.
- Following his death, the White House and numerous state governors issued orders for flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor.
For example, the governor of North Carolina ordered U.S. and state flags to half-staff beginning immediately and continuing “through interment” of Cheney.
How long will the flags stay lowered?
The period for flying the flag at half-staff depends on the official and the type of proclamation. In this case:
- For a former U.S. vice president, the flag remains at half-staff from the date of death until the day of interment.
- As of now, the exact interment date for Cheney has not been publicly announced, so the half-staff period continues.
- Some states have indicated they will issue second proclamations when funeral arrangements are finalized.
Which flags are affected?
- The term “half-staff” is used for flags on land; “half-mast” is technically used for flags on ships. In the U.S., the land-based usage dominates and “half-staff” is the correct usage although the terms are often used interchangeably.
- All U.S. federal buildings, military installations, and naval vessels are directed to comply.
- State buildings follow their respective governor’s proclamations. For example, North Carolina’s governor’s directive covers both U.S. and state facility flags.
- Private citizens, businesses, and local governments are encouraged (though not required) to lower their flags as a sign of respect.
Why this matters
Displaying flags at half-staff is one of the most visible ways for the nation to express collective mourning or respect for significant losses in public service. In honoring Cheney:
- It acknowledges his decades of service in high offices: as Congressman, Secretary of Defense, Vice President, and White House Chief of Staff.
- It signals to the public that the nation pauses in tribute, reflecting on his contributions.
- It unites federal, state, and local government actions under a shared symbolic gesture of respect.
Quick timeline recap
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 3, 2025 | Death of Dick Cheney announced. |
| November 4-5, 2025 | Some states issue half-staff orders (e.g., North Carolina). |
| Until interment | Flags remain at half-staff until the interment of Cheney is completed. |
Flag-lowering protocol context
- Under the U.S. Flag Code and other guidelines, the President and state governors have authority to direct flags to half-staff for certain deaths and national observances.
- Examples of designated periods: Thirty days for a president’s death; ten days for a vice president’s death; from death until interment for certain other officers.
- The lowering of flags serves as an official, non-political gesture of national respect and mourning.
- Experts in flag etiquette note that the act reinforces a sense of shared national identity and solemnity.
In short, the reason the flags are at half-staff today is that the nation is paying tribute to Dick Cheney, and the official orders call for flags to remain lowered until his interment.
Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below, and keep an eye out for updates on the interment date and additional public commemorations.