Flags Ordered To Fly at Half-Staff in 7 States Today, This Weekend

Flags will be lowered to half-staff across seven states on Friday and this weekend to honor military personnel, first responders and public officials who recently died.

Across Pennsylvania, Delaware, Illinois, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, and New York, these public gestures will commemorate fallen first responders, public servants, and service members.

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, flags remain at half-staff under an order issued earlier this month.

Governor Josh Shapiro directed flags on commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds to be flown at half-staff in honor of Private First Class Krystofer Lee Lopez. 

The 18-year-old U.S. Army Reserve soldier died during a training incident at Letterkenny Army Depot.

The flags are to remain lowered until the date of interment, which is on Saturday, March 28.

Delaware

Delaware’s half-staff order began Tuesday and continues through the weekend.

Governor Matt Meyer ordered flags at state buildings and facilities to be lowered to honor former State Senator Nancy Cook, who died at age 89. 

Cook served in the General Assembly for more than three decades and was the first woman to chair the Joint Finance Committee.

Flags are scheduled to remain at half-staff through sundown Saturday.

Illinois

In Illinois, flags were lowered starting Wednesday morning.

Governor JB Pritzker directed that flags covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act be flown at half-staff to honor Chicago Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician Michael Altman. 

The order runs from sunrise Wednesday through sundown Friday, and the directive applies statewide.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma is also observing a multi-day half-staff order.

Governor Kevin Stitt ordered U.S. and Oklahoma flags on state property to be flown at half-staff beginning Wednesday morning and continuing through Saturday evening. 

The order honors Goldsby Fire Chief Bryan Jenkins and firefighter Todd Pendleton, who died in the line of duty.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, flags were ordered lowered beginning Wednesday.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders directed that U.S. and Arkansas flags be flown at half-staff to honor State Representative Stan Berry. 

Berry served Arkansas’ 44th District and was remembered as a dedicated public servant.

Flags are to remain lowered until the day of his interment.

Kentucky

Kentucky’s half-staff observance is scheduled for Friday.

Governor Andy Beshear ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered from sunrise to sunset in honor of Staff Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington. 

The Kentucky soldier died from injuries sustained after Iran’s March 1 attack on U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia while supporting Operation Epic Fury.

Individuals, businesses, and organizations across the commonwealth were encouraged to participate in the tribute.

New York

In New York, flags will be lowered statewide on Friday.

Governor Kathy Hochul directed flags on all state government buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of Major Sorffly Davius, a decorated U.S. Army National Guard member and NYPD officer.

Davius died March 6 at Camp Buehring in Kuwait while serving with the New York Army National Guard’s 42nd Infantry Division, according to state and military officials.

The order applies from sunrise to sunset Friday.

What People Are Saying

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer said: “Delaware mourns the loss of former State Senator Nancy Cook, a dedicated public servant and the first woman to serve as Chair of the Joint Finance Committee.

“Over more than three decades in the General Assembly, Senator Cook earned deep respect for her steady leadership, particularly as Chair of the JFC, helping build responsible state budgets and craft thoughtful policy on behalf of all Delawareans.

“She was also a devoted mother and grandmother, a trusted friend, and a mentor to many. I was proud to witness her work up close, first as County Executive and now as Governor.

“She will forever be remembered for her commitment to public service and her unwavering belief that Delaware, as a state of neighbors, works best when we work together.”

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt said: “The bravery and selflessness displayed by Fire Chief Bryan Jenkins and firefighter Todd Pendleton embody the best of the Oklahoma spirit.

“Their dedication to protecting the lives of others represents the highest calling of public service, and our state mourns deeply alongside their families, fellow first responders, and community.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said: “Major Davius was the ‘Citizen Soldier’ in every sense. A dedicated NYPD officer and decorated Army veteran, he spent his career protecting others.

“His life is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by our National Guard members, who balance their roles as citizens, first responders and soldiers.”