Flag-Lowering Orders

This page contains information regarding flag-lowering orders issued by the President of the United States and the Governor of Wisconsin.

Under changes to the Flag Code made in 2007, National flags flown over Federal installations and facilities in Wisconsin must be lowered to half staff when the Governor of Wisconsin orders flags to half staff because of the death of a member of the Armed Forces. Read the text of the amendment to the Flag Code at: https://www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/micks.htm

The Governor also has the authority to order flags to half staff at all state-owned and operated facilities in the event of the death of present or former officials of state government. Municipal and county governments, public and private schools, private businesses, and individuals should also lower their flags to half staff under an Executive Order issued by the Governor.

More information on proper display of the flag can be found in a report issued April 14, 2008, by the Congressional Research Service: "The United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions", by Atty. John R. Luckey. https://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30243.pdf

Updates regarding Presidential Proclamations can be found at the White House website:https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/proclamations

You can subscribe to receive an e-mail message when flag-lowering orders are posted on this page by clicking here.

Current and recent US and state flag lowering proclamations follow.

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Date:	January 6, 2019
Details:	Today, Governor Walker issued Executive Order #319, ordering the flags at half-staff in honor of Captain Christopher Truman of the Lake Mills Fire Department. In accordance with the Order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Sunday, January 6, 2019, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	December 1, 2018 - December 30, 2018
Details:	In accordance with the Proclamation, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning immediately and ending at sunset on December 30, 2018.
Presidential Proclamation:	Text of Presidential Proclamation

Date:	December 1, 2018 - December 30, 2018
Details:	Today, Governor Walker issued Executive Order #315, lowering the flags in honor of former President George H.W. Bush. In accordance with the Order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning immediately and ending at sunset on December 30, 2018.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	November 25, 2018
Details:	Today, Governor Walker issued Executive Order #314, ordering the flags to half-staff in honor of Pfc. Joseph Natvick. In accordance with the Order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Sunday, November 25, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	November 10, 2018
Details:	Today, Governor Walker issued Executive Order #313, ordering the flags at half-staff in honor of former State Representative Terry Musser. In accordance with the Order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Saturday, November 10, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	November 8 - 10, 2018
Details:	The President of the United States has proclaimed that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff nationwide as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragedy in Thousand Oaks, California. In accordance with this proclamation, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning immediately and ending at sunset on Saturday, November 10, 2018.
Presidential Proclamation:	Text of Presidential Proclamation

Date:	October 27 - 31, 2018
Details:	The President of the United States has proclaimed that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff nationwide as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragedy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In accordance with this proclamation, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning immediately and ending at sunset on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.
Presidential Proclamation:	Text of Presidential Proclamation

Date:	October 13, 2018
Details:	Today, Governor Walker issued Executive Order #309, ordering the flags to half-staff in honor of Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day. In accordance with the Order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Saturday, October 13, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	August 27, 2018 - September 2, 2018
Details:	The President of the United States has proclaimed that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff nationwide as a mark of respect for Senator John McCain. In accordance with this proclamation, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning immediately and ending at sunset on the date of interment.
Presidential Proclamation:	Text of Presidential Proclamation

Date:	August 25, 2018
Details:	Tonight, Governor Walker issued Executive Order #304, lowering the flags in honor of Senator John McCain. In accordance with the Order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning immediately and ending at sunset on Sunday, August 26, 2018.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Details:	Today, Governor Walker issued Executive Order #302, ordering the flags to half-staff in honor of Sgt. 1st Class R. Lloyd Ketchum. In accordance with the Order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	August 7, 2018 - August 7, 2018
Details:	Today, Governor Walker issued Executive Order #301, ordering the flags at half-staff in honor of former State Senator Michael Ellis. In accordance with the Order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	July 26, 2018 - August 1, 2018
Details:	Today, Governor Walker issued Executive Order #300, lowering the flags in honor of Officer Michael Michalski of the Milwaukee Police Department. In accordance with the order, please lower the flags immediately until sunset of the date of interment.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	July 12, 2018 - July 14, 2018
Details:	Today, Governor Walker signed Executive Order #297, ordering that the flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Captain Cory Barr of the Sun Prairie Volunteer Fire Department. In accordance with the Order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning immediately and ending at sunset on July 14, 2018.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	July 3, 2018
Details:	The President of the United States has proclaimed that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff nationwide until sunset on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, as a mark of respect for the victims of the shooting in Annapolis, Maryland. In accordance with this proclamation, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities, beginning today and ending at sunset on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.
Presidential Proclamation:	Text of Presidential Proclamation

Date:	June 23, 2018
Details:	Governor Walker signed Executive Order #296, ordering that the flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Staff Sgt. Krasean Clayborn. In accordance with the Order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Saturday, June 23, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	June 8, 2018 - June 16, 2018
Details:	Today, Governor Walker issued Executive Order #294, ordering the flags half-staff in honor of Officer Charles Irvine Jr. of the Milwaukee Police Department, who lost his life in the line of duty. In accordance with the order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning immediately and ending at sunset on the date of interment.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	May 30, 2018
Details:	Governor Walker signed Executive Order #293, relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day. In accordance with this order, please ensure that the flags of the United States and the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all State facilitates beginning at sunrise on Monday, May 28, 2018, and ending at 12:00 PM CDT on that date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	May 18, 2018 - May 22, 2018
Details:	The President of the United States has proclaimed that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff nationwide until Tuesday, May 22, 2018, as a mark of respect for the victims of the shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas. In accordance with this proclamation, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities, beginning today and ending at sunset on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.
Presidential Proclamation:	Text of Presidential Proclamation

Date:	May 15, 2018
Details:	Relating to Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and Police Week. In accordance with the order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	May 5, 2018
Details:	Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin Be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Cpl. Raymond A. Barker of the United States Marine Corps Reserves, Who Lost His Life While Serving His Country During World War II. In accordance with the order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Saturday, May 5, 2018,and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	May 4, 2018
Details:	Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin Be Flown at Half-Staff in honor of Rico Caruso, Klint Mitchell, and Gregory Rosenthal, who lost their lives when the medical transport helicopter they were aboard crashed while returning from a successful patient transfer. In accordance with the order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Friday, May 4, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	April 30, 2018
Details:	Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin Be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Spooner Fire District Firefighter Philip Neubich. In accordance with the order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Monday, April 30, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	April 18, 2018 - April 21, 2018
Details:	Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin Be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Barbara Bush, Former First Lady of the United States. In accordance with the order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, and ending at sunset on the date of interment.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	April 15, 2018
Details:	Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin Be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Former Wisconsin Attorney General Peggy "Peg" Lautenschlager. In accordance with the order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Sunday, April 15, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Flag-Lowering Orders

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Date:	April 14, 2018
Details:	Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin Be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Master Sgt. Jonathan J. Dunbar, who lost his life while serving his country. In accordance with the order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Saturday, April 14, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	April 7, 2018
Details:	Governor Walker has ordered that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin be flown at half-staff in honor of former Wisconsin Attorney General Bronson La Follette. In accordance with the order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Saturday, April 7, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	April 6, 2018
Details:	Governor Scott Walker has ordered that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin be flown at half-staff in honor of Madison Fire Department Firefighter and Paramedic Richard Garner Jr. In accordance with the order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities on Friday, April 6, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	March 2, 2018
Details:	The President of the United States has proclaimed that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff nationwide as a mark of respect for the memory of Reverend Billy Graham. In accordance with this proclamation, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities on Friday, March 2, 2018
Presidential Proclamation:	Text of Presidential Proclamation

Date:	February 15, 2018 - February 19, 2018
Details:	The President of the United States has ordered that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff nationwide, as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on February 14, 2018. In accordance with this order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff until sunset, February 19, 2018
Presidential Proclamation:	Text of Presidential Proclamation

Date:	January 29, 2018
Details:	Governor Scott Walker has ordered that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for PFC Ethan Barclay-Weberpal, a member of the United States Marine Corps and a native of Janesville, Wisconsin. In accordance with the order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on Monday, January 29, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order

Date:	January 12, 2018
Details:	Governor Scott Walker issued Executive Order #269, relating to a proclamation permitting the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff in the City of Osseo in honor of First Responder Kari Steen beginning at sunrise on Friday, January 12, 2018, and ending at sunset on that same date. Please note that this is a permissive order applying only to the City of Osseo.
Executive Order:	Text of Executive Order