Why Are Flags at Half-Staff Today?

Flags across the country are to be flown at half-staff today to honor the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter who died on Sunday. Why It Matters Carter, the longest living president in U.S. history, passed away on Sunday at his Georgia home at the age of 100, surrounded by family while receiving hospice care. He is survived by his sons John William, James Earl, and Donnel Jeffrey; his daughter Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, predeceased him in November 2023 at the age of 96. U.S. and world leaders are paying tribute to Carter, who served as president from 1977 to 1981. Flags are flown at half-staff after a president dies as a way to pay tribute to their leadership. What to Know Flags are flown at half-staff for 30 days after a president or former president’s death at all federal buildings, grounds and naval vessels, according to the U.S. flag code. This means they’ll fly at half-staff until January 28, 2025. The Carter family announced the former president’s death in a statement Sunday afternoon. “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” Chip Carter, the former president’s son, said in a statement released Sunday by The Carter Center. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common belief s. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” President Joe Biden said he is ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington, D.C. Flags were flown at half-staff in 2018 after former President George H.W. Bush passed away. A president can order flags to be flown at half-staff whenever a U.S. official dies or to mourn the loss of American lives. Biden ordered flags to fly at half-staff in 2023 after the deaths of former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and former first lady Rosalynn Carter. An American flag flies at half-staff outside San Francisco City Hall on September 29, 2023. Flags across the country are to be flown at half-staff today to honor the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter… An American flag flies at half-staff outside San Francisco City Hall on September 29, 2023. Flags across the country are to be flown at half-staff today to honor the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter who died on Sunday. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images What People Are Saying Governors from both parties announced that flags will be flown at half-staff as the nation mourns Carter. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, on X, formerly Twitter: “President Jimmy Carter was a humble, generous, and admirable public servant — both as our President and in his years after as a citizen in service. I’ve ordered flags across the Commonwealth lowered to half-staff in his honor. Lori and I are praying for the Carter family. May his memory be a blessing.” New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, a Republican, on X: “President Carter was deeply devoted to his country and committed his life to serving the American people. Known for his kindness and compassion to all, President Carter’s legacy serves to inspire us to have a positive impact on the lives around us.” California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, in a statement: “President Carter was a man of rare character – whose beliefs ran true and ran deep, whose moral compass never wavered. He saw the common humanity in all of us, building bridges between people of different faiths and factions abroad while working to meet the needs of those at home.” Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, a Republican, in a statement: “President Carter lived a great life marked by service to his country. Volunteering his time to build homes for those in need well into his 90s, President Carter never stopped living his faith through service.” What Happens Next The nation will continue mourning and paying tribute to Carter over the coming weeks. A funeral for Carter will be held on January 9, 2025.