If you’ve stepped outside this morning in the Lone Star State and noticed the flags at your local post office, school, or state building aren't at the top of the pole, you aren't alone. It’s one of those things that immediately catches your eye. You see it and you just know something happened. But finding out why can be a bit of a treasure hunt depending on whether it’s a national order or something specific to the Governor's office in Austin.
Today, January 17, 2026, the reason for those lowered flags is tied to a specific period of mourning that has been affecting the entire country.
Why are flags flying at half mast today in Texas?
Basically, the primary reason flags are at half-staff across Texas right now is the ongoing national mourning period for former President Jimmy Carter.
The 39th President passed away on December 29, and per U.S. Flag Code and the official proclamation issued by the White House, the American flag is to be flown at half-staff for 30 days following the death of a former president. Since we are currently in that 30-day window, every federal and state building in Texas is following that protocol.
It’s a long-standing tradition. It doesn't matter if you're in El Paso or Beaumont; when a former Commander-in-Chief passes, the flags go down. Texas Governor Greg Abbott also issued a concurrent order for the Texas state flag to be lowered alongside the Stars and Stripes to show the state's respect.
A Mix of National and Local Orders
Sometimes, it gets confusing because you might see flags down in one town but not the next. While the Carter proclamation is the big "blanket" reason today, there are often smaller, local proclamations that happen simultaneously.
For instance, earlier this month, we saw various flags lowered for local heroes—firefighters, police officers, or even former state legislators. But for today, January 17, the heavy lifting is being done by that 30-day presidential mourning period. Honestly, it’s rare to have a month where the flags stay at the top the whole time, especially in a state as big as Texas where we lost several first responders in the line of duty over the last few weeks.
How the Process Actually Works
You might wonder who actually "calls the shots" on this. It isn't just a random decision.
- The President: Only the President can order the flag to be lowered for a national mourning period or the death of a major federal official.
- The Governor: Governor Abbott has the authority to lower flags for the death of a state official, a local first responder killed in the line of duty, or for a state-wide tragedy.
- The Flag Code: This is a set of federal laws (though not strictly "punishable" for civilians) that outlines the etiquette. For a former president, the rule is exactly 30 days. For a Vice President, it's 10 days. For a member of Congress, it's usually just the day of and the day after.
Texas is pretty strict about following these to a T. If you see a flag at half-staff and there isn't a national order, it usually means the Governor has issued a specific "Notice of Half-Staff" through the Texas government portal, often to honor a fallen soldier or a legendary Texas figure.
The Significance of the "Half-Mast" vs "Half-Staff" Debate
Okay, quick nerd moment. Technically, if you’re on land, you should call it "half-staff." "Half-mast" is a naval term for ships. But let’s be real—everyone says half-mast. If you say it at a BBQ in Plano, nobody is going to correct you unless they’re a retired Master Sergeant.
In Texas, we treat the state flag with the same level of reverence as the national one. If the U.S. flag goes down, the Texas flag follows. However, it's important to remember that the Texas flag should never be higher than the U.S. flag. When they are both at half-staff, they should be at the same level.
Recent Events Leading to Today's Status
While the presidential mourning is the main driver today, January has been a heavy month for flag orders. Just a few weeks ago, we saw flags lowered across Central Texas to honor the lives lost during the severe weather and flooding events that kicked off the new year.
Earlier this week, on January 13, there were also specific local orders in neighboring states and potentially localized areas of North Texas for fallen peace officers. It feels like the flags have been low more than they've been high lately.
Common Misconceptions About the Flag
People often think flags are lowered for every tragic news event. That’s actually not the case. The Governor and the President are usually quite selective. If they lowered the flag for every single tragedy, the flag would never reach the top of the pole. It’s generally reserved for:
- Death of high-ranking officials.
- Memorial Day (but only until noon!).
- Significant national tragedies (like 9/11 or Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day).
- Mass casualty events that affect the collective soul of the state or country.
What You Should Do If You Manage a Flagpole
If you’re a business owner or just have a pole in your front yard, you aren't legally required to follow these orders, but most people do out of respect.
First, when you raise the flag in the morning, you’re supposed to hoist it all the way to the top for a brief second before lowering it to the halfway point. You don't just stop in the middle on the way up. Same thing when you take it down at sunset—pull it to the top, then bring it all the way down.
If you don't have a flag that can be lowered (like one of those fixed poles on the side of a house), the proper etiquette is to attach a black crepe streamer to the top of the pole. It serves the same symbolic purpose.
Texas is a state that prides itself on its identity and its respect for tradition. Seeing the flags at half-staff today is a reminder of a transition in American history and a sign of the quiet respect Texans have for the office of the presidency, regardless of the person who held it.
Keep an eye on the official Texas Governor's website if you're ever in doubt. They usually post these proclamations under the "News" or "Press Office" section the moment the order is signed.
Next Steps for You
- Check your local city's social media pages; sometimes they honor local town heroes that the state-wide orders might miss.
- If you're flying a flag at home, ensure it is properly illuminated if you keep it up after dark.
- The current 30-day order for President Carter is scheduled to conclude in late January, at which point flags will return to full-staff unless another proclamation is issued.
