President Donald Trump has called for flags around the country to be lowered to half-staff after South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death. Iowa is no exception.
Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered that flags will continue to be flown at half-staff. They were already lowered to honor U.S. Air Force Maj. Brad Hovey, an Iowa native killed in June. He died during a B-52 flight test mission on June 15, 2026.
“Sen. Lindsey Graham’s decades-long service in Washington D.C. is legendary, and he will be greatly missed. I’ll remember him fondly for his big personality and southern charm, but most importantly for his unwavering patriotic spirit,” Reynolds said in a news release. “My prayers are with his family and friends.”
Why are flags at half-staff?
Trump issued the directive in a July 12 social media post, calling Graham “a dear friend of mine, and a truly great man, who achieved so much for our Country.”
Graham, a Republican and staunch Trump ally, died on July 11. Preliminary medical examination findings attributed his death to a tear in his main artery caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, his office said. He was 71.
How long are flags at half-staff in Iowa?
Reynolds’ order lowering flags for Hovey was in effect until sunset on Friday. July 17. Flags will now remain lowered through 6 p.m. Saturday, July 18, to honor Graham.
According to the federal law about the position and manner of display of the American flag, it must be flown at half-staff for at least the day of and one day after a member of Congress’ death.
What’s the difference between half-mast and half-staff for flags?
Half-mast is used when the flag is flown from a flagpole, typically referring to a ship mast or similar structures, according to Federal Flags. Half-mast means the flag is flown two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the flagstaff.
Half-staff is the term used for flags on land, particularly in the United States. Half-staff describes a flag that is raised halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole.
When the American flag is flown at half-staff, it conveys a message of respect and mourning. Federal Flags says this custom is most often observed following the death of a government official, military personnel or in response to a national tragedy.
USA TODAY reporter Melina Khan contributed to this article.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why are flags at half-staff? Iowa extends order lowering flags
Reporting by Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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By Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
