Why flags are at half‑staff today? How long they'll stay lowered – The News Journal

Flags are flying at half-staff across Virginia today under a statewide order from the governor, marking an annual day of remembrance on May 31. Here’s why flags are lowered — and how long they’ll stay that way.
The order applies from sunrise to sunset and honors the victims of the 2019 shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. While the official term is “half-staff,” many people search “half-mast,” which refers to the same lowered position of the flag.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered U.S. and Virginia flags lowered statewide today to honor the victims of the 2019 Virginia Beach Municipal Center shooting. On May 31, 2019, a gunman opened fire inside a city government building, killing 12 people before dying at the scene. The attack remains one of the deadliest mass shootings in Virginia history.
The governor’s order runs from sunrise to sunset today only. Flags are expected to return to full staff at the end of the day unless a new order is issued.
The difference between half-staff and half-mast depends on where the flag is being flown. In the United States, flags on land are lowered to half-staff, while half-mast refers to flags flown on ships and at naval stations.
The governor’s order applies to U.S. and Virginia flags on public buildings and grounds. Private citizens are not required to lower personal flags but may choose to do so as a sign of respect during the one-day observance.
To lower a U.S. flag properly, raise it briskly to the top of the flagpole first, then lower it slowly to the half-staff position. At the end of the day, raise the flag back to the top briefly before lowering it fully.
When flying a flag at half-staff, it should be handled respectfully throughout the day:
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based news reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network’s Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. She covers news in the Northeast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Reach her at LComstock@usatodayco.com.
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