If you are wondering why are flags at half mast today, the answer is tied to an official nationwide order of mourning in the United States. As of today, July 13, 2026, U.S. flags are being flown at half-staff across federal buildings, military installations, and many state and local government facilities to honor the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham following his death. The order was issued by President Donald Trump and remains in effect through Saturday evening, unless superseded by another official proclamation.
Although many people use the term “half mast,” the official term for flags displayed on land is half-staff. “Half-mast” is traditionally used for flags flown aboard ships. Both expressions are widely understood, and online searches commonly use “half mast.”
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Why Flags Are at Half-Staff Today
The current nationwide lowering of the American flag is a mark of respect and national mourning following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham.
President Donald Trump ordered that flags at federal buildings and grounds across the United States be flown at half-staff until Saturday evening. The proclamation recognizes Graham’s decades of public service and his role in national politics.
As a result, people across the country may notice lowered flags at:
- Federal government buildings
- U.S. military bases
- National parks
- Federal courthouses
- U.S. embassies and diplomatic facilities abroad
- Many state and local government buildings that choose to follow the federal proclamation
Private businesses, schools, churches, and homeowners are also encouraged to observe the proclamation, although they are generally not legally required to do so.
Understanding Half-Staff and Half-Mast
Many people search for why are flags at half mast today, but there is an important distinction in official terminology.
- Half-staff refers to flags lowered on poles located on land.
- Half-mast traditionally refers to flags flown on ships and naval vessels.
In everyday conversation and online searches, both terms are commonly used interchangeably. Search engines recognize them as referring to the same act of lowering the flag as a symbol of mourning and respect.
The Purpose of Flying Flags at Half-Staff
Lowering the American flag is one of the nation’s highest public honors. It symbolizes grief, remembrance, and respect for individuals or events of exceptional significance.
Flags may be lowered for reasons including:
- The death of a current or former president
- The death of members of Congress
- The death of governors or other high-ranking officials
- Fallen military personnel
- First responders who die in the line of duty
- Victims of national tragedies
- Official national days of remembrance
The practice dates back centuries and has become an important tradition in the United States.
Who Has the Authority to Order Flags Lowered?
Not every flag-lowering happens nationwide. Authority depends on the location and reason for the observance.
The President
The President of the United States may order flags at all federal properties nationwide to be flown at half-staff. These proclamations often follow the death of prominent national leaders or major national tragedies.
State Governors
Governors can direct flags at state-owned facilities to be lowered in honor of state officials, military members, first responders, or other individuals whose service significantly impacted the state.
Some governors also issue separate proclamations that align with federal orders.
Local Governments
Mayors and local officials may direct flag observances at municipal buildings when permitted under state or local policies.
How Long Will Flags Remain at Half-Staff?
According to the current presidential proclamation, flags are expected to remain at half-staff until Saturday evening in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham.
After that period ends, flags should return to full-staff unless another federal or state proclamation extends or replaces the current order.
If additional official announcements are issued, the duration could change. As of today, there has been no official confirmation of any extension beyond the current order.
Background on Senator Lindsey Graham
Lindsey Graham served South Carolina in the U.S. Senate for many years and became one of the country’s most recognizable political figures.
Before joining the Senate, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives and built a reputation as a leading voice on national security, defense policy, judicial matters, and foreign affairs.
Throughout his career, Graham served on several influential Senate committees and participated in major legislative debates spanning multiple presidential administrations.
His passing prompted tributes from political leaders across the country, leading to the nationwide order lowering American flags.
How Flag-Lowering Traditions Work
There are established customs governing the display of the American flag during periods of mourning.
When lowering a flag to half-staff:
- The flag is first raised briskly to the top of the pole.
- It is then lowered to the halfway position.
- At the end of the day, it is raised fully again before being lowered completely.
This ceremonial process reflects longstanding American flag etiquette.
Other Occasions When Flags Are Lowered
If you frequently search why are flags at half mast today, you may notice that flags are lowered several times throughout the year for recurring observances.
Common annual examples include:
- Memorial Day (until noon)
- Peace Officers Memorial Day
- National Firefighters Memorial Day
- Patriot Day
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
In addition, presidents may issue special proclamations after significant national events or the deaths of notable public servants.
Why Different States Sometimes Display Different Flag Positions
One source of confusion is that flags may appear at different heights depending on where you live.
This happens because:
- A federal proclamation may apply nationwide.
- A governor may issue an additional state-specific proclamation.
- Some local governments voluntarily participate.
- Private businesses decide independently whether to follow official guidance.
As a result, one community may display flags at half-staff while another nearby returns to full-staff if a state proclamation has ended.
Public Interest in Flag Status
Searches for why are flags at half mast today increase whenever people notice lowered flags at government buildings, schools, airports, post offices, or military facilities.
Many Americans look for a quick explanation because the lowered flag often serves as the first public sign that a significant national event or official period of mourning has been declared.
News coverage and official government announcements usually accompany these proclamations, helping explain the reason behind the observance.
Latest Update
As of today, July 13, 2026, there is an official nationwide order directing American flags at federal facilities to remain at half-staff in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham.
The current proclamation is scheduled to remain in effect until Saturday evening. At this time, there has been no official confirmation of any additional nationwide half-staff order beyond the current period of mourning.
Anyone seeking the most current flag status after that date should check for new presidential or gubernatorial proclamations, as flag orders can change following major national events or official announcements.
Final Thoughts
Flags flown at half-staff serve as one of the country’s most visible symbols of remembrance and national respect. Whether honoring military service members, elected officials, first responders, or victims of national tragedies, these observances unite Americans in recognizing lives of significance and moments of shared reflection.
Understanding why flags are lowered helps provide context for an important American tradition that continues to mark historic events and honor public service.
Have thoughts about today’s flag observance? Share your perspective in the comments or stay updated for future official flag announcements.
