Why are US flags at half-staff in Washington state? Here’s what to know

Have you noticed American flags flying at half-staff?

They’ll stay lowered at select locations throughout Washington state through Saturday July 18.

Here’s why:

When are flags lowered in Washington state?

Flag directives can come from the U.S. president through official proclamations, or from state governors.

Federal directives apply to federal properties, while state directives apply to facilities for state agencies.

Businesses and private properties are not required to follow either, but are welcome to join in the observation.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson directed U.S. and Washington flags to be lowered to half-staff on a number of pre-determined dates, including National Firefighters Memorial Day on May 4, Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 and Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May.

State and U.S. flags will also be lowered on Patriot Day on Sept. 11, and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on Dec. 7.

Throughout the year, Ferguson may add additional dates for flag lowerings. You can sign up for email notifications to receive notice when a flag directive is issued.

Flags are always lowered in Washington state following the death of a principal federal or Washington state government official, a member of Washington state’s armed forces while serving on active duty, or a state government employee or member of the public safety community killed in the line of duty.

Additionally, the governor often echoes federal proclamations.

Federal proclamations must be made following the death of the president or a former president, vice president, Congress members, Supreme Court members and select other officials.

The U.S. Flag Code specifies periods of time for each of these lowerings. Other observations may be announced at the president’s discretion.

Why are flags at half-staff right now?

This week, flags are flying at half-staff following the death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina.

He passed away on Saturday, July 11, at age 71 following a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said.

President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on Monday, July 13, ordering flags at federal buildings, military posts and naval stations, plus U.S. embassies to remain lowered until 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 18.

This is longer than the standard observation period following the death of a senator per the U.S. Flag Code.

Traditionally, flags are flown at half-staff on the day of a senator’s death and the day following. In their home state, dates of observation extend through the day of interment.

While this directive has not been echoed in Washington state, public buildings can still fly their flags at half-staff in accordance with the observation.

Trump, Israeli president remember Sen. Lindsey Graham

Graham, a notable Republican politician, had served in the U.S. Senate since 2003.

Major elements of his platform include strong national defense and foreign policy, cutting federal spending and immigration reform.

While he initially spoke out against Trump’s presidential campaign, Graham became a major ally for the president.

Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was with Graham just days before his death, are among the notable officials who have spoken about his death.

“Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known, is dead!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “He was always working, and was a true American patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!”

“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends,” Netanyahu posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”

Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, will serve the remainder of his term.