It’s not uncommon for government buildings, as well as residential households and commercial buildings, in the United States to fly the American flag halfway up the flagpole. Known as half-staff or half-mast, it’s typically designed as a symbol of respect and mourning. There are several days throughout the year in which it’s appropriate to fly the American flag at half-staff, some of which includes Memorial Day, Patriot Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Several states, however, have recently issued orders recommending the American flag to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of coronavirus (COVID-19) victims.
Connecticut
On April 9, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced plans to instruct all government buildings within the state to fly the American flag at half-staff to honor COVID-19 victims. According to Lamont, the flags will continue to be flown at half-staff until the emergency is over. Connection, of course, has been one of the hardest-hit states by COVID-19. Homeowners and business owners in Connecticut can follow suit by flying the American flag at half-staff as well.
New York
In addition to Connecticut, New York has instructed government buildings to fly the American flag at half-staff due to COVID-19. As of April 10, The Empire State has reported over 150,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, which has resulted in over 7,000 deaths. To honor the victims of COVID-19, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has ordered all state buildings to fly the American flag at half-staff for an indefinite length of time.
New Jersey
Another state that’s begun flying the American flag at half-staff to honor COVID-19 victims is New Jersey. Recently, New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy declared that all government buildings would fly the American flag at half-staff indefinitely to honor those who’ve lost their lives to COVID-19.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has also issued a proclamation advising government buildings in the state to fly the American flag at half-staff in remembrance of COVID-19 victims. In a statement, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf said “Too many Pennsylvanians” have died because of COVID-19. As a result, he’s ordered government buildings to fly the American flag at half-staff. It’s important to note that Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wold is also encouraging residential households to fly the American flag at half-staff as well.
Other states will likely follow suit by ordering their government buildings to fly the American flag at half-staff to honor COVID-19 victims. As previously mentioned, the half-staff position is a sign of honor and remembrance.