Why are NC flags flying at half-mast this week? What to know
Wondering why U.S. and state flags are at half-mast this week?
They’re to honor the late Pope Francis.
Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21 at the age of 88 following a stroke that ultimately resulted in heart failure. His death came after a 38-day hospital stay due to a respiratory crisis, which had progressed into double pneumonia.
To honor his memory, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Monday ordering U.S. flags at all public buildings to be flown at half-staff “until sunset, on the day of interment.” Gov. Josh Stein issued a similar directive ordering all U.S. and North Carolina flags to be flown at half-mast.
“Anna [Stein] and I join the world in mourning the loss of Pope Francis. His leadership inspired and taught us to serve with love, faith, and compassion. May his memory be a blessing,” Stein said in a statement.
The Pope’s “day of interment” (funeral) will be on Saturday, April 26. Most major TV networks will broadcast the events and burial, and Vatican Media will livestream on its YouTube channel.
Flags aren’t just lowered for commemorative occasions , they’re also lowered on a select few holidays every year. Here’s what to know about flag proclamations.
Who decides when flags are half-mast?
Only the president and state governors can issue proclamations ordering flags to be flown at half-mast, according to the NC State Government Flag Guide.
The president has authority to lower flags on all buildings, grounds and naval vessels of the federal government, while the governor has authority over all flags at North Carolina facilities, the guide says.
When are flags at half-mast?
Flags are lowered to half-mast every year for the following observances, according to the flag guide:
Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15 (sunrise to sunset)
Patriot Day, Sept. 11 (sunrise to sunset)
National Firefighters Memorial Day, first Sunday in May (sunrise to sunset)
Memorial Day, last Monday in May (sunrise to noon)
Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7 (sunrise to sunset)
US and NC flags at half-mast
The flag of the state of North Carolina is always displayed at half-staff for the same period as the U.S. flag, according to the flag guide.
This story was originally published April 23, 2025 at 2:41 PM with the headline "Why are NC flags flying at half-mast this week? What to know."
