On Monday, January 20, both the Washington state and U.S. flags were raised to full-staff before being lowered back to half-staff in remembrance of former President Jimmy Carter. Governor Bob Ferguson has instructed all state agencies to raise the flags to full-staff on Inauguration Day.
Following this, the flags reverted to half-staff at sunrise on Tuesday, January 21, and will remain at half-staff until the close of business or sunset on Wednesday, January 29. President Joe Biden had issued a proclamation on December 29 to lower U.S. flags for 30 days to honor Carter, which includes the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
Trump and other officials have expressed their frustrations regarding this decision. In response, some governors have opted to direct that flags be raised on Inauguration Day in their states. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that flags at the U.S. Capitol, where the swearing-in ceremony will occur, will be raised for the inauguration but will then be lowered again in tribute to Carter.
The decision to raise and lower flags in honor of former President Jimmy Carter reflects both a gesture of respect and the complexities surrounding national mourning periods during significant political events. Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, is remembered for his contributions to peace, human rights, and public service, making his passing a notable moment in U.S. history.
While some states raised their flags following Carter’s funeral, others are adhering to Johnson’s announcement. Some states may keep their flags at half-staff for the entire 30-day mourning period. It’s important to note that states have the discretion to raise their flags as they see fit, as Biden’s order only applies to flags on federal property, such as the White House and national parks.
