The U.S. flag continues to remain lowered in response to the death of former Vice President Dick Cheney, whose funeral will be held on Thursday, Nov. 20.
Gov. Gavin Newsom gave the direction for flags to fly half-staff at state government buildings on Nov. 4, and flags will fly at half-staff through the day of internment, or the placement of the deceased in their final resting place, according to the New York State Funeral Directors Association.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, flags are flown at half-staff after the death of a vice president. The flag is flown at half-staff from the day of death until interment of a former vice president, according to the Flag Code.
Cheney, 84, served as vice president under President George W. Bush and was an influential figure in the Bush administration’s response to the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Bush is among those paying tribute at Cheney’s funeral service, according to a news release from the Washington National Cathedral, which will host Thursday’s services.
When did Dick Cheney die?
The former vice president died on Nov. 3, 2025, from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to his family.
When is Dick Cheney’s funeral?
The funeral for Cheney will be held at 8 a.m. PST on Thursday, Nov. 20.
Where is Dick Cheney’s burial?
The funeral will take place at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington DC, but it’s not clear yet where he will be buried, USA TODAY reported.
How to watch Dick Cheney funeral
While the service is invitation only, Californians can watch the service via the Washinton National Cathedral’s YouTube channel or website. USA TODAY will also stream the service.
Are flags at half-staff or half-mast?
According to the U.S. code, flags are flown at half-staff, which means “the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.” However, the terms half-mast and half-staff are often used interchangeably among the public.
USA TODAY network reporter Roseann Cattani contributed to this story.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Why are flags at half-staff in California? Cheney’s funeral date, time
Reporting by Paris Barraza, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
