Governors in seven states have ordered flags lowered to half‑staff on specific dates this week and weekend to honor public servants, military members and community leaders.
West Virginia, Arizona, Nebraska, Kansas, Virginia, Iowa and Minnesota are flying flags at half‑staff on Friday and this weekend to honor fallen service members in the Middle East, mark the deaths of state leaders and more.
Why It Matters
Flying flags at half‑staff is one of the most visible ways states formally recognize loss and public service.
These orders create a shared moment of remembrance across communities.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, U.S. and state flags are being flown at half‑staff from noon on March 4 through sunset on March 6.
Governor Patrick Morrisey ordered the tribute to honor former West Virginia Delegate Larry D. Kump, who served multiple terms representing Berkeley County in the House of Delegates.
Kump earned a reputation in the House of Delegates for principled conservatism and a distinctive personal style.
His colorful expressions, including “great googly moogly” and “for sure and for certain,” became part of his public persona.
Arizona
Arizona flags are set to be lowered from sunrise to sunset on March 8.
Governor Katie Hobbs issued the order in honor of the burial of La Paz County Superior Court Presiding Judge Marcus Kelley, recognizing his service in state government and the legal system.
He died unexpectedly on February 22 and is survived by his wife, Nickie, and their children, William and Sarah.
Nebraska
In Nebraska, flags are flying at half‑staff effective March 4 to honor Sergeant 1st Class Noah Tietjens, who was among six service members killed last weekend in an Iranian missile strike on a military operations center in Kuwait.
Governor Jim Pillen directed flags lowered statewide to recognize his life and military service. The flags are set to remain lowered until sunset on the day of interment, which has not been announced.
Kansas
Kansas flags have been ordered to half‑staff beginning March 2. Governor Laura Kelly issued the order to honor Kansas State Representative John Resman, who represented House District 121.
The flags are set to remain lowered until sundown on the day of interment, which has not been announced.
Virginia
In Virginia, U.S. and commonwealth flags are to be flown at half‑staff from sunrise to sunset on March 7.
Governor Abigail Spanberger ordered the tribute in memory of Reverend Jesse Jackson, recognizing his decades of service as a minister, community leader and civil rights figure.
Iowa
Iowa flags are flying at half‑staff effective March 5. Governor Kim Reynolds ordered the tribute to honor Major Jeffrey O’Brien and Sergeant Declan Coady, Army Reserve soldiers who were killed in action in Iranian strikes last weekend while serving overseas in Kuwait.
Flags are set to be flown at half‑staff at the Iowa Capitol and throughout the Capitol Complex, as well as at all public buildings, grounds and facilities statewide. They are to remain lowered until sunset on the final day of interment.
Residents, businesses, schools and local governments are encouraged to lower their flags for the same duration as a sign of respect.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, flags are flying at half‑staff beginning March 5. Governor Tim Walz ordered the action to honor Sergeant 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, a Minnesota service member killed while deployed overseas on March 1 in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.
Amor, assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), was serving overseas in support of U.S. military operations when she was killed in a strike that also claimed the lives of five other American service members, which remains under investigation by the Department of Defense.
She enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in 2005, transferred to the Army Reserve in 2006 and served for more than 20 years, including deployments to Kuwait and Iraq.
Flags are set to remain lowered until sunset on the day of Amor’s interment.
What People Are Saying
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said: “Denise and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Delegate Larry Kump, a devoted public servant who dedicated many years of his life to improving West Virginia. On behalf of the first lady and myself, we extend our condolences to Larry’s family, friends, former colleagues, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him. His legacy of service and his love for our state will never be forgotten.”
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen said: “Suzanne and I are deeply saddened to learn of Sergeant Tietjens death. We are holding the Tietjens family close in our hearts during this unbelievably difficult time and will keep them in our prayers. Noah stepped up to serve and defend the American people from foreign enemies around the world—a sacrifice we must never forget. Please join us in praying for the Tietjens and for all members of the United States military who stand in harm’s way to protect our freedom.”
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said: “Representative Resman has a decorated history of serving his community, our state, and our country throughout his time in the Army, Kansas National Guard, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Legislature. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said: “Our hearts are broken by the deaths of Major Jeffrey O’Brien and Sergeant Declan Coady, two brave Iowa soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to secure freedom and peace. On behalf of a grateful state, Kevin and I offer our prayers and condolences for their families, and we ask all Iowans to stand united in support of our fallen soldiers and those who loved them.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said: “Sergeant 1st Class Amor answered the call to serve and gave her life in service to our nation. She wore our nation’s uniform with courage and selflessness, demonstrating dedication and honor throughout her life and career. Her life was marked by service to others, and her memory will be treasured by all who were fortunate to know her. With deep gratitude, Minnesota recognizes Sergeant 1st Class Amor’s unwavering dedication and bravery, and I extend my deepest condolences to her loved ones.”
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