Why flags are flying at half‑staff today, this weekend

Flags have been ordered lowered to half‑staff on Friday and into the weekend as states observe official periods of mourning for a former governor, a longtime member of Congress and a fallen law enforcement officer. 

Each order reflects a separate tribute, with observances spanning multiple days.

In Hawaii, West Virginia and Oklahoma, governors issued half‑staff directives honoring individuals remembered for public service, leadership and sacrifice.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, flags were lowered beginning April 20.

Governor Josh Green ordered U.S. and Hawaii state flags at the State Capitol, all state offices and agencies, and Hawaii National Guard facilities to be flown at half‑staff in honor of former Governor George R. Ariyoshi.

Ariyoshi, Hawaii’s third and longest‑serving governor, died on Sunday at the age of 100.

The flags are set to remain at half‑staff through sunset on the day of his memorial service, which has yet to be announced.

Born in Honolulu on March 12, 1926, to parents who immigrated from Japan, Ariyoshi went on to leave a lasting mark on both Hawaii and national politics. 

He became the first Asian American elected governor of a U.S. state and helped steer Hawaii through its early decades after statehood, a period shaped by economic change, growth and the development of key public institutions.

During World War II, Ariyoshi served as a Japanese‑English interpreter with the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Service. 

He later earned degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan Law School before committing his career to public service.

Ariyoshi’s political path included service in the Territorial Legislature and the Hawaii State Senate, as well as serving as lieutenant governor before assuming the governorship and later winning the role in his own right.

Known for his measured, disciplined approach to leadership, he was reelected twice and remained active in civic life long after leaving office, according to Green’s office.

“Governor Ariyoshi devoted his life to Hawaii with humility, discipline and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the people he served,” Green said. 

“He led our state during a pivotal moment with quiet strength and integrity, and his legacy as a trailblazer and public servant will endure for generations,” the governor continued. “Our hearts are with his family and loved ones.”

West Virginia

West Virginia is observing a multiday half‑staff order.

Governor Patrick Morrisey directed U.S. and West Virginia flags at the Capitol Complex and state facilities statewide to be flown at half‑staff in honor of former Congressman David McKinley, who died on April 17 at age 79. 

McKinley served both in the West Virginia Legislature and in the U.S. House of Representatives.

A Wheeling native, McKinley earned a civil engineering degree from Purdue University and went on to establish McKinley Architecture and Engineering in 1981. 

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Gerkin McKinley, along with four children and six grandchildren.

“Denise and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman David McKinley, who dedicated his life to serving the people of West Virginia,” Morrisey said in a news release. 

“From the House of Delegates to the United States Congress, David worked to move our state forward and made a real difference for those he represented. On behalf of the First Lady and myself, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Mary, the entire McKinley family, and all who knew and loved him. His contributions to West Virginia will stand the test of time.” 

Flags were lowered at noon on April 20 and are scheduled to remain at half‑staff through sunset on April 27.

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, flags were ordered lowered beginning on Thursday.

Governor Kevin Stitt directed all American and Oklahoma flags on state property to be flown at half‑staff in honor of LeFlore County Deputy Thomas “Walker” LeMay, who was killed in the line of duty.

“Deputy LeMay served his community with courage, commitment, and honor. His loss is deeply felt across our entire state. Sarah and I are praying for his family, friends, loved ones, and community,” Stitt said in a news release.

“His dedication to serving his community and our state reflects the very best of Oklahoma. In lowering the flags across state properties, we honor Deputy LeMay’s memory and brave service,” he continued.

The order runs from April 23 through 5 p.m. on April 27.