Honoring George Bunting, John Viola, and Rev. Jesse Jackson
Today, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer ordered all flags at state buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff to honor the lives and service of former Delaware state legislators, George Bunting and John Viola, who passed away last week. Flags should also be lowered in remembrance of the life, service, and influence of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed early Tuesday. Governor Matt Meyer issued the following statements on each man’s extraordinary service: Rev. Jesse Jackson “The Rev. Jesse Jackson was a giant in American politics. From the civil rights movement to his historic presidential campaigns to decades spent advocating for equality across the globe, his fight for working people and racial justice laid the groundwork for generational change. He was a progressive before it was cool and a revolutionary when it was hard. His life should be an example to us all that we have a duty to serve our neighbors and fight for what we believe in, especially when the cards are stacked against us. Lauren and I are holding his family in our prayers, as the people of Delaware mourn this loss, celebrate his life, and resolve to always remember the influence and impact of the Rev. Jesse Jackson.” Flags will remain at half-staff through sundown on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Source: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/02/17/governor-meyer-orders-the-lowering-of-flags-to-honor-the-lives-of-george-bunting-and-john-viola-rev-jesse-jackson-2/
Honoring United States Army Staff Sergeant Robert Russell Arnold
Feb 15th through (to be determined).
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Sunday February 15, 2026, the day of interment, in honor of United States Army Staff Sergeant Robert Russell Arnold of Boston, Massachusetts.
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
Source: Email from: Alex Powell, Date: [Sent Date], ID: [Message ID if available]
Honoring Former Delegate Charles Poindexter
February 12, 2026
Governor’s Order for the Commonwealth of Virginia In accordance with the authority vested in me as Governor, I hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia in memory and respect of former Delegate Charles Poindexter.
We honor his decades of unwavering commitment to serving the Commonwealth and his impact on his community.
I hereby order that the flags shall be lowered at sunrise on Thursday, February 12, 2026, and remain at half-staff until sunset.
Ordered on this, the 11th day of February, 2026.
Sincerely, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor Virginia Office of Governor | P.O. Box 1475 | Richmond, VA 23218 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice
Source: Email from: Virginia Office of Governor, Date: , ID:
Honor of Camden Firefighter Howard Bennett
TRENTON – Governor Mikie Sherrill today signed Executive Order No. 11, ordering U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in recognition and in mourning of Camden Firefighter Howard Bennett. Howard Bennett passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, while conducting maintenance on a fire boat at Wiggins Park Marina on the Delaware River in Camden. He was a member of the Camden Fire Department assigned to Engine 1 and Fire Boat 1, serving for nearly 27 years.
“Howard Bennett was a devoted husband, father, brother, and public servant,” said Governor Sherrill. “He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fellow firefighters. We are heartbroken by his passing and honor his legacy of service.”
For a copy of Executive Order No. 11, click here.
Sergent First Class Trooper Sean William Acker
Governor Sherrill has issued Executive Order No. 10 ordering the flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Tuesday, Feb. 10, in recognition and mourning of a brave and loyal New Jersey hero, Sergent First Class Trooper Sean William Acker.
This Order shall take effect immediately.
Honoring Former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton
Gov. Mike Braun Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun has directed flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton, who died on Tuesday, February 3. Representative Hamilton served Indiana’s 9th Congressional District from 1965 to 1999.
“Indiana mourns the passing of Lee Hamilton, a man whose life embodied integrity, civility, and public service. We extend our prayers to his family and honor his legacy of serving Hoosiers.” – Governor Mike Braun
Governor Braun has ordered flags to be lowered statewide at all state facilities immediately until sunset on the day of his internment, which will be shared once public.
Governor Braun encourages all Hoosiers to help honor Hamilton by lowering flags to half-staff at their homes and businesses.
# # #
Honoring Two DPS Crewmembers of Flagstaff Helicopter Crash
Arizona Department of Public Safety State Trooper-Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett and Pilot Air Rescue Aviation Supervisor Robert B. Skankey were called to act as air support in an active-shooter incident in Flagstaff. Bennett had served DPS since 2022 and is survived by his wife. Skankey, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served DPS since 2021 and is survived by his wife and four children.
Governor Hobbs issued the following statement:
“Arizona owes immense gratitude to DPS State Trooper-Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett and DPS Pilot Air Rescue Aviation Supervisor Robert B. Skankey, whom we tragically lost this week. When they were called upon to help protect the Flagstaff community, they arrived without hesitation. This is a devastating loss for Arizona and for the aviation and law enforcement community. I’m sending my deepest condolences to these heroes’ families, loved ones, and colleagues.”
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.
Deputy Christopher Paul Ohlmeyer
Today, the flags of the US and the State of Louisiana fly at half-staff in honor of Deputy Christopher Paul Ohlmeyer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Chris was a beloved husband, father, son, and brother. He exemplified courage and commitment in everything he did. Please join Sharon and me in praying for the Ohlmeyer family during this time. Chris will never be forgotten.
Honoring Richard Carlson
Jan 17th through (to be determined).
Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, today directed flags be flown at half-staff in Pottawatomie, Jackson, and Wabaunsee Counties from sunup to sundown on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in honor of former Kansas State Representative and Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Richard Carlson.
“Richard Carlson had a long career of public service, from his time serving in the Kansas Army National Guard to the Kansas Legislature and the Kansas Department of Transportation,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My condolences go out to his friends, family, and former colleagues.”
Source: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KSOG/bulletins/404c738
Honoring Former Mayor Evora Wheeler
Jan 17th through (to be determined).
Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, today directed flags be flown at half-staff in Lyon County, Kansas, from sunup to sundown on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in honor of former Mayor Evora Wheeler.
"For decades, Evora Wheeler was a committed leader in Emporia, from her time serving as mayor to her extensive community engagement," Governor Laura Kelly said. "My condolences go out to her loved ones and the community during this difficult time."
Source: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KSOG/bulletins/40497af