Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis late July 14, directed both the American flag and Florida state flag to be flown at half-staff until 6 p.m. July 18.
The memorandum adds the Florida flag to an order issued earlier this week by President Trump to honor Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
Graham, died July 11 from a tear in his aorta minutes after calling Trump to talk about the SAVE America Act. Graham had also just returned from a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, to fill the remaining term of Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat, which ends Jan. 3, 2027.
Darline Graham will be the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
When should flags be flown at half-staff?
Trump issued a proclamation, following up on an earlier post on Truth Social, American flags should be flown at half staff until 6 p.m. July 18.
➤ News of Lindsey Graham’s death, a staunch Trump ally, stuns Senate colleagues
Where should flags be flown at half-staff?
The flag of the United States should be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions
They also should be flown at half-staff at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis orders state flag to be flown at half-staff
DeSantis said flags in Florida should be flown at half-staff in honor of Lindsey Graham.
“Pursuant to the president’s order and as a mark of respect, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the state of Florida until 6 p.m. on July 18, 2026,” DeSantis said in a memorandum released July 14.
Why is flag flying at half-staff today?
Flags should be flown at half staff “as a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of Senator Lindsey Graham,” Trump said in his proclamation.
What did President Trump say about Sen. Lindsey Graham?
“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead,” Trump posted on Truth Social hours after Graham’s death was announced.
Later, Trump posted Graham was a “dear friend of mine, and a truly great man, who achieved so much for our Country, and his beloved Home State of South Carolina.”
In an earlier post, Trump said Graham was “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known!
“He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed.”
Who was Sen. Lindsey Graham?
Graham, 71, spent more than 30 years in Congress, becoming one of Washington’s most influential Republicans and a key player in the conservative remaking of the federal judiciary and a loyal supporter of Trump.
The relationship didn’t start that way. During the 2016 Republican presidential primary, Graham was among Trump’s fiercest critics.
But after Trump won the election, Graham steadily moved into the president’s orbit, serving as an emissary to skeptical Republicans, an advocate during impeachment battles and a trusted adviser on matters of foreign affairs and national security.
Alongside the late Sens. John McCain and Joe Lieberman, Graham became one of the Senate’s most outspoken advocates for an aggressive American role on the world stage, especially after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Graham had just returned from the Ukraine, where he met with Zelensky July 10, the day before the senator’s death.
“Lindsey Graham recognized the greatness of America, the seriousness of his work, and also the value of human and lighthearted spirit,” McMaster said.
“He understood the hopes, dreams, and needs of his state and delivered for his state every time.”
Highlights of Graham’s life
How did Sen. Lindsey Graham die?
A preliminary medical examiner’s report indicated Sen. Lindsey Graham died of an “aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease,” his office said in a statement on July 12.
“An aortic dissection is a medical emergency in which a tear happens in the inner layer of the body’s main artery,” according to Mayo Clinic.
➤ Medical examiner gives preliminary cause of death of Sen. Graham
“Blood rushes through the tear. This causes the inner and middle layers of the artery to split, called a dissection. If the blood goes outside the artery, aortic dissection is often deadly.
“Aortic dissection isn’t very common. It usually happens in men in their 60s and 70s,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
“Symptoms of aortic dissection may seem like those of other health conditions. This often leads to delays in diagnosis. Early diagnosis and fast treatment of aortic dissection greatly improve the chance of survival.”
The aorta is the main artery that delivers oxygen-rich blood to the body.
How old was Sen. Lindsey Graham?
Graham was 71 when he died July 11, just two days after his birthday on July 9.
He was born July 9, 1955 in South Carolina.
South Carolina governor taps Graham’s sister to fill remainder of term in Senate
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced July 13 the appointment of Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy created by the passing of the senator. Darline Graham will be the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
“Lindsey worked harder than anyone to make our state, country, and world better. He loved his family and loved serving this state and the country. He dedicated his life to our country,” said Darline Graham.
“It is such a privilege to get to finish some of his important work, and I promise to work hard every day over the next several months to support the president and carry forward the efforts of my brother on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States.”
Darline Graham will serve until Jan. 3, 2027, when the new Congress convenes following the November 2026 general election.
How to correctly fly your flag at half-staff
On days when the flag is flown at half-staff, it should first be raised “briskly” to the top of the pole for an instant and then lowered slowly to the half-staff position, according to the U.S. Flag Code.
Before lowering the flag, it should again be raised to the top before being lowered for the day.
Do flags fly at half-mast or half-staff?
On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast.
On shore, flags are flown at half-staff.
This story was updated with new information.
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://tallahassee.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Why are both US, Florida flags flying at half-staff this week?
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Tallahassee Democrat
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By Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
