Honoring Officer Don “DJ” Keller
2026-05-17 The Governor orders that the flags atop the State Capitol be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in tribute to Officer Don “DJ” Keller of the Greenwood Police Department and in honor of his selfless service and supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The Governor requests that the flags over state buildings and buildings of the political subdivisions of this State similarly be flown at half-staff for this purpose.
Source: Email from: SC.GOV No Reply on 2026-05-15T18:56:12.000Z
Honoring Peace Officers
*Governor Gordon Orders Lowering of Flags to Half Staff for Peace Officer Memorial Day* *CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 15, 2026* – Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) has ordered all flags to be flown at half staff today in honor of Peace Officer Memorial Day.
The flags will return to full staff tomorrow morning at dawn.
Source: https://governor.wyo.gov
Honoring Fallen Peace Officers
NOTE: Peace Officer Memorial Day has been established by Sec. 3100.065 https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.3100.htm#3100.065 of the Texas Government Code. Both the Texas and United States flags should be flown at half‑staff on Friday, May 15, 2026. A copy of Governor Abbott’s proclamation is attached.
State of Texas Office of the Governor PROCLAMATION
In communities of every size and every geographic region, peace officers perform an important duty to protect and serve their neighbors. In Texas, we recognize the weight of that calling and the price that some are asked to pay. As members of a grateful state, we pause to honor our fallen peace officers—brave souls who gave the last full measure of devotion so that others might live in safety and peace.
Peace officers confront difficult, dangerous situations regularly. Throughout the Lone Star State, peace officers prove themselves worthy of the extraordinary trust placed on them, embodying the courage and selfless sacrifice that defines our people. Some have done so for decades, never seeking attention or praise. Others served briefly, taken from this earth too soon.
No words can assuage the immense pain felt by family, friends, and entire communities, but we can and must honor our fallen heroes by remembering what they stood for. We can teach our children their names; we can support the families they cherished; and we can recommit to the principles they gave their lives to defend: justice, peace, and the rule of law.
Peace officers do not choose their profession for recognition or reward—they choose it out of love for their neighbors, their state, and the values that unite us as Texans. In honoring them, we rededicate ourselves to that same spirit of service.
Each year, a solemn day is set aside in order to remember fallen peace officers and to publicly affirm our commitment to all who have worn the badge. As we remember these heroic men and women, I commend them for their sacrifice and pray for their loved ones.
Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2026, and the period from May 10 to May 16, 2026, respectively, to be Peace Officers Memorial Day & Week in Texas and urge all Texans to observe the occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my signature this the 26th day of April, 2026.
Greg Abbott Governor of Texas
Honoring Fallen Peace Officers on National Peace Officers Memorial Day
DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, May 15, 2026, in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day. The governor’s order is in conjunction with a proclamation from President Trump.
“Duty is a virtue embodied by the fallen peace officers our nation honors on this day,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “There truly are no greater public servants than those who wear the uniform and give their lives for it.”
Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state.
Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
Flags at the Iowa Peace Officer Memorial site remain at half-staff during National Police Week, May 10 – May 16.
Source: Email from: State Of Iowa on 2026-05-14T15:08:25.000Z
Honoring Fallen Peace Officers
Gov. Beshear Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 14, 2026) – In accordance with a proclamation https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/05/peace-officers-memorial-day-and-police-week-2026/ from the White House, Gov. Andy Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Friday, May 15, in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day.
A joint resolution of Congress, approved Oct. 1, 1962, designated May 15 of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week. This observance pays tribute to local, state and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
“Kentucky’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect us, and we cannot thank them enough. Those who made the ultimate sacrifice especially deserve to be remembered and revered,” said Gov. Beshear. “Please take some extra time this week to let those who wear the badge in your community know that you appreciate and care about them.”
Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the commonwealth to join in this tribute. Flag status information is available at https://governor.ky.gov/flag-status.
Honoring Fallen Peace Officers
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half‑staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, May 15, 2026, in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day, a national observance paying tribute to local, state, and federal law enforcement officials who have died in the line of duty. It is recognized annually during National Police Week.
“Our law enforcement officers must be commended for their commitment to public safety and their willingness to put themselves in the path of danger in order to protect the lives of complete strangers,” Governor Lamont said. “There’s not a single person in our state whose life has not been impacted in some way by a police officer, whether they know it or not. We honor and salute every law enforcement officer who has given their life in the line of duty. Their memories will not be forgotten, and we thank them for their dedication. I also want to acknowledge all the families of law enforcement officers, who themselves make many sacrifices over the course of their loved one’s service, and especially those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.”
“I continue to be in awe of our law enforcement officers who are willing to selflessly serve and sacrifice to protect their communities,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Day in and day out, they put their lives on the line, running towards danger so that we may all live in safety. Each year, as we honor Peace Officers Memorial Day, we are reminded of that sacrifice and take a moment to remember those we have lost in the line of duty. Their heroism will not be forgotten, and we owe a great debt of gratitude.”
In accordance with the governor’s directive, flags will be at half‑staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state‑operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time.
To receive email alerts anytime the governor orders flags to half‑staff, visit https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/sign-up-for-news-updates.
Read on CT.gov https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2026/05-2026/governor-lamont-directs-flags-to-half-staff-friday-for-peace-officers-memorial-day
State Capitol
210 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Honoring Hmong‑Lao Veterans
Gov. Evers Orders Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day, Proclaims “Hmong-Lao Veterans Day” Across the State
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #293, ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Thurs., May 14, 2026, in honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day. Each year since assuming office, Gov. Evers has proclaimed May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin [ https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2026/05/12/file_attachments/3647769/051426_Proclamation_Hmong-Lao%20Veterans%20Day.pdf ].
“Through their service and sacrifice, our Hmong-Lao veteran community has earned every honor and respect we can give them by serving this nation during the Vietnam War and in many conflicts since, and for that, we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude,” said Gov. Evers. “Here in Wisconsin, we are committed to our promise to protect, defend, and support the veterans who’ve protected, defended, and supported us, and that includes our Hmong-Lao heroes.”
During the Vietnam War, thousands of Hmong-Lao people courageously fought alongside the United States and, following the end of the war, faced harsh retribution from the Vietnamese and Lao governments for their service. Many Hmong-Lao soldiers and their families were ultimately forced to flee their homes, and many later resettled in communities throughout the United States, including in Wisconsin. Today, Wisconsin is home to the third-largest Hmong population in the United States. The last day of airlift evacuation of remaining Hmong-Lao soldiers and their families from the covert headquarters in Long Tieng, Laos, to the Nam Phong refugee camp in Thailand took place on May 14, 1975.
On May 14, 2021, Gov. Evers signed 2021 Wisconsin Act 31 [ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/2d9101a ], officially designating May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin. Act 31 also requires the governor to the governor to annually issue a proclamation for the observance of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day that orders the flags at the State Capitol Building to be flown at half-staff, requests that the day be used to recognize Hmong-Lao veterans’ accomplishments and to thank Hmong-Lao veterans for their service, and encourages schools to discuss Hmong military service in support of the armed forces of the United States.
Gov. Evers has long made supporting the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Wisconsin’s Hmong and Asian American communities, including Hmong-Lao veterans, a priority of his administration. In 2024, Gov. Evers signed 2023 Wisconsin Act 205 [ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/391e740 ], which ensures Hmong veterans can have veteran status on their driver’s license or ID by adding to the definition of “veteran” any person who was admitted to the United States under the Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act. Additionally, last month, Gov. Evers signed 2025 Wisconsin Act 206 [ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/41209e9 ], which ensures qualifying Hmong and Laotian veterans can receive military funeral honors.
In 2024, Gov. Evers celebrated Hmong Heritage Month by signing 2023 Wisconsin Act 266 [ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3945fa0 ], requiring schools to include education on the contributions and history of Hmong Americans and Asian Americans in Wisconsin. Wisconsin law requires K-12 schools to teach Black American, Hispanic American, and Native American history. 2023 Act 266 added Hmong and Asian American histories to this required curriculum, promoting greater awareness and understanding among Wisconsin students of the histories, cultures, and traditions of these diverse communities in Wisconsin. Gov. Evers also proclaimed April Hmong Heritage Month [ https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2026/05/12/file_attachments/3648533/040126_Proclamation_Hmong%20Heritage%20Month.pdf ] in accordance with national observances.
Last year, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War and the Secret War in Laos, among other events that significantly impacted the lives of millions in Southeast Asia, Gov. Evers also issued a proclamation in recognition of the 50th anniversary to honor the resilience of Southeast Asian American communities [ https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2025/05/12/file_attachments/3257981/050125_Proclamation_50th%20Anniversary%20to%20Honor%20the%20Resilience%20of%20Southeast%20Asian%20American%20Communities.pdf ].
Executive Order #293 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Thurs., May 14, 2026, and is available on Gov. Evers’ website [ https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2026/05/12/file_attachments/3648515/EO293-Hmong-LaoVeteransDay2026.pdf ].
An online version of this release is available here [ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIDMA/bulletins/416c73f ].
Honoring Maj. Gen. Glen W. “Bill” Van Dyke
Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half‑staff from sunrise to sunset on May 7, 2026, in honor of the interment of retired Maj. Gen. Glen W. “Bill” Van Dyke, who served as Arizona Adjutant General and Director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs from April 1994 until his retirement in May 1999. A funeral service is scheduled for May 7; he passed away on April 24 at the age of 86.
Maj. Gen. Van Dyke began his military career (https://www.nationalguard.mil/Leadership/Joint-Staff/Special-Staff/Senior-Leader-Management-Office/General-Officer-Management/Biographies/Article/3110311/major-general-glen-w-van-dyke-retired/) in the Arizona Air National Guard in 1961 as an aircraft refueler. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1965 and attended pilot training. Over his career, he flew more than 5,000 hours in various aircraft, including F-102s and F-16s. He assumed the position of commander of the 162nd Fighter Group in 1984, securing the long-term success of the 162nd through the establishment of its current F-16 fighter pilot training mission and was promoted to the Air Component Commander of the Arizona Air National Guard in 1990 before becoming the Adjutant General in 1994.
His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He was also a recipient of the Order of the Sword, the highest honor bestowed by enlisted personnel, reflecting his deep commitment to those he led.
Governor Hobbs issued the following statement: “My deep condolences to Major General Van Dyke’s family. We honor him today and thank him for his many decades of esteemed service to Arizona and to our country.”
Individuals, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
For more information on half‑staff orders in Arizona or to sign up for notifications, visit az.gov/half‑staff‑notices (https://az.gov/half-staff-notices).
To sign up for half‑staff notifications, join our distribution list here (https://az.gov/half-staff-notices).
Half-Staff Notification
100 N 15th Ave , Phoenix , AZ 85007
Honoring Trooper Kevin Trainer
Please be advised that in accordance with 4 U.S.C. § 7(m), Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half‑staff at all state buildings beginning immediately today, Wednesday May 6, 2026, until sunset on the day of interment, in honor and remembrance of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Kevin Trainor, who was killed in the line of duty today, Wednesday May 6, 2026.
This gubernatorial order applies to:
1. The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls
2. Other state‑owned or state‑controlled buildings
3. All state military installations
Thank you,
Alex Powell
Director of Administration, CFO
Office of the Governor, MA
Alex.Powell@mass.gov
Source: Email from: Powell, Alex (GOV) on 2026-05-06T15:46:57.000Z
Honoring Robert W. Dempsey
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half‑staff from sunrise until sunset, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. This action is in honor of Robert W. Dempsey, a member of the Coordinated Highways Action Response Team with the Maryland Department of Transportation, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Source: http://sos.maryland.gov/Pages/Services/PastFlagStatus.aspx