American Flag Status
Half-Staff Alert: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
In accordance to Public Law 103-308 President Biden will issue a proclamation for the American flag to be flown at half-staff on Thursday, December 7 in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The full Proclamation can be found here.
In Honor of Rosalynn Carter
President Biden ordered U.S. flags to half-staff November 25, 2023 through November 29, 2023 to honor former First Lady of the United States, Rosalynn Carter. Click here to for the full Proclamation.
In Honor of the Victims in Lewiston, ME
As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine, President Biden ordered that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, October 30, 2023. Click here for the full Proclamation.
In Honor of the Lives Lost in Israel
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that flags on State buildings will be flown at half-staff indefinitely starting on Wednesday, October 11 in remembrance of the lives lost as a result of the recent terrorist attacks against the State of Israel. Click here for the full Proclamation.
In Honor of Dianne Feinstein
President Biden ordered U.S. flags to half-staff September 29, 2023 through interment (unknown) to honor Senator Dianne Feinstein. Click here for the full Proclamation.
22nd Memorial of 9/11
By a joint resolution approved Dec. 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89) has designated Sept. 11 of each year as "Patriot Day," which also directs the flags be lowered to half-staff for the entire day on Sept. 11.
Half-Staff Alert in Honor of Kory Wade
Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags to half-staff at all State government buildings and facilities on July 5 and July 6 in honor of U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Kory Wade. Click here to read the Proclamation.
Half-Staff Alert in Honor of former Lt. Governor Richard Ravitch
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced flags on State buildings will be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, June 28 in honor of former Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch. Click here to read the Proclamation.
Half-Staff Alert In Honor of Patrick J. Hogan
Governor Kathy Hochul today (06.14.23) announced flags on State buildings will be flown at half-staff on June 15 and 16 in honor of fallen Captain Christopher J. Garrow. Click here to read the Proclamation.
Half-Staff Alert - Entire United States: Memorial Day
President Biden will order all flags to half-staff from Sunrise until Noon on Monday, May 29, 2023 in honor of Memorial Day. Click here to read the full Proclamation.
Half-Staff Alert: Peace Officers Memorial Day
On Monday, May 15, 2023 President Biden will order all U.S. flags to half-staff in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week. Click here to read the full Proclamation.
In Honor of Allen, Texas
As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on May 6, 2023, in Allen, Texas, President Biden ordered U.S. flags to half-staff May 7-11, 2023. Click here to read the full Proclamation.
In Honor of Nicholas A. Georgeadis
Governor Kathy Hochul announced flags on State buildings will be flown at half-staff on May 4 and 5 in honor of fallen retired Senior Investigator Nicholas A. Georgeadis. More information and official proclamation are available by clicking here: Proclamation.
A Proclamation to Honor Fallen Firefighers
President Biden will order all flags to half-staff May 7, 2023 to honor and remember the 79 firefighters who died in 2022. On Sunday, May 7 the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will be honoring 144 firefighters who have died in the line of duty, 79 firefighters who died in 2022, and 65 who died in previous years. Click here to read the Proclamation.
Half-Staff Alert In Honor of Patrick J. Hogan
Governor Kathy Hochul today (04.19.23) announced flags on State buildings will be flown at half-staff on April 19 and 20 in honor of fallen Retired Investigator Patrick J. Hogan. Click here to read the Proclamation.
A Proclamation in Honor of the Covenant Presbyterian School
Per presidential proclamation, United States flags are to be displayed at half-staff until sunset Friday, March 31, 2023 in honor of the victims of the shooting at Covenant Presbyterian School in Nashville, TN. Click here for the full Proclamation.
A Proclamation on Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy in Monterey Park, California
Per presidential proclamation, United States flags are to be displayed at half-staff until sunset Thursday, Jan. 26, in honor of the victims of the shooting in Monterey Park, Calif. Click here for the full Proclamation.
The following list details current half-staff declarations in New York State.
From the Office of General Services
The national flag should be displayed at half-staff on the days noted below, or on other days by special proclamation of the United States President or New York State Governor.
- Sunday, May 7, 2023 | National Fallen Firefighters - Flags must be flown at half-staff.
- Monday, May 15, 2023 | Peace Officers Memorial Day - Flags must be flown at half-staff unless that day also falls on Armed Forces Day.
- Monday, May 29, 2023 | Memorial Day - Flags must be flown at half-staff until Noon, and at top of the staff for the rest of the day.
- Monday, September 11, 2023 | Patriot Day - Flags must be flown at half-staff.
- Thursday, December 7, 2023 | Pearl Harbor Remembrance - Flags must be flown at half-staff.
How long should the flag be lowered? On standard half-staff days except for Memorial Day, the flag is lowered at sunrise and raised back to full-staff at sunset. The flag is lowered only until Noon on Memorial Day. During days where a declaration is made in honor of victims, official declarations typically request flags be lowered until interment, then raised back to full staff.
Sign-up below to get a text when the American Flag should be lowered to half-staff.
Respecting the American Flag
Q: How long should the flag be at half-staff?
A: Usually the flags should be at half-staff from sunrise to sunset, but on Memorial Day it is sunrise to noon.
Q: What is the proper way to raise and lower the flag to half-staff positioning?
A: When raising and lowering the flag, bring it to the top of the pole for just a moment before bringing it into position or taking it in for the night.
Q: What if I can’t fly my flag at half-staff?
A: You can buy a mourning bow (black ribbon) for the top of your pole and that will represent half-staff.
Q: Are there any requirements for flying the flag at night?
A: The flag must be illuminated if it is being flown in the dark.
How to Purchase a United States or New York State Flag
From the Office of General Services
The New York State Office of General Services provides the public with the opportunity to purchase the United States or New York State flag for a nominal fee.
