Why flags are at half-staff today in Maryland? Why they'll stay lowered – The News Journal

If you are wondering why the flags are at half-mast today in Maryland, they are flying half-staff at state facilities under a statewide order honoring Demair Lloyd and will remain lowered through interment.
The order directs U.S. and Maryland flags at state government buildings to be lowered in remembrance of Lloyd. Funeral services are scheduled for June 11, according to Lloyd’s obituary, with interment to take place at a later date, meaning the half-staff observance may remain in effect beyond the services.
Gov. Wes Moore ordered flags lowered across state facilities — including state government buildings, courthouses and parks — in honor of Demair Lloyd. Lloyd, firefighter and paramedic with the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, died May 30 after experiencing a medical emergency at home shortly after completing a 24-hour shift, according to department statements.
Lloyd, who lived in Baltimore, was 44 years old.
The half-staff order will remain in effect through interment, according to the governor’s proclamation. While visitation and funeral services for Demair Lloyd are scheduled for June 11, interment will take place at a later date, and state officials have not announced when flags will return to full staff.
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 half‑staff order applies to Maryland state government buildings and state‑operated facilities. Private businesses, schools and residents are not required to lower their flags but may choose to do so voluntarily as a sign of respect.
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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