Flags at Half-Staff Nationwide to Honor Former President Jimmy Carter

By Y.M. Lowy

American flags across the country will fly at half-staff until sunset on January 28 to commemorate former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100 years old in his Georgia home. This 30-day tribute is the longest period possible for flags to be flown at half-staff and is reserved for sitting or former presidents, as outlined in a 1954 proclamation.

The tradition of lowering flags to half-staff signals mourning across the nation, often observed for the death of government officials, national tragedies, or days of remembrance such as Memorial Day, according to the U.S. General Services Administration. 

In addition to this tribute, President Joe Biden declared January 9 a National Day of Mourning to honor Carter’s legacy. A state funeral for Carter is planned for later this month, further celebrating his legacy as a statesman and humanitarian.