Remembrance of Sandy Hook Tragedy
Governor Lamont Directs Flags To Half-Staff Sunday for the Anniversary of the Tragedy in Sandy Hook
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and Connecticut flags lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in remembrance of the twenty children and six adults who were killed thirteen years ago in the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
In accordance with the 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. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.
“This tragedy thirteen years ago is one of the worst to ever occur in Connecticut, and our hearts will forever be with the twenty innocent children who were taken all too soon and the six devoted educators who lost their lives protecting the students they heroically guarded,” Governor Lamont said. “Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the courage and strength of our school teachers and faculty, the ongoing need to dedicate ourselves to being sources of love and humanity, and our collective responsibility to work toward a more peaceful, kind, and hopeful world.”
“Thirteen years ago, Connecticut faced the most tragic day in our state’s history as we lost the lives of twenty children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “This event continues to cause shared grief and heartbreak for us all more than a decade later. In their memory, we continue to honor the innocent lives lost by carrying ourselves with kindness and generosity, not only on December 14, but every day of the year. To their friends, family, and survivors, I keep you in my prayers and wish you comfort.”
Flags Lowered for Lt. James White
In honor of the life and service of Lieutenant James “Bryan” White of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered that the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Madison and Clark counties and at all Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation facilities on December 9, 2025. Lieutenant White began his law enforcement career with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. He later joined the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Following his time with BCI, White was an officer with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division until his death. All other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may lower at their discretion for the same time period.
Former State Superintendent Judy Catchpole
Governor Gordon Statement on the Passing of Former State Superintendent Judy Catchpole
December 04, 2025
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) ordered the lowering of both flags today and issued a statement mourning the death of former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Judy Catchpole.
Catchpole, who served from 1995–2003, led major education reforms that shaped Wyoming’s modern school system, including academic standards, student assessments, teacher-certification updates, and early charter-school policy. A lifelong advocate for children, she continued her leadership long after leaving office through UW advisory boards, literacy initiatives, and statewide education committees.
“Judy Catchpole devoted her life to Wyoming’s kids, and our state is better because of her steady leadership and wholehearted service,” Governor Gordon said. “Jennie and I treasured our friendship with Judy and Glenn. We will miss her deeply and hold Glenn and their family in our prayers.”
Funeral details will be shared by the family. The flags will remain at half staff until sundown on the day of interment.
Update: 12/11/2025 – Funeral set for 1/5/2026 (source: https://www.bustardcares.com/obituaries/judith-catchpole)
Honoring Former State Representative Fred Durhal Jr.
Dec 5th through (to be determined).
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, December 5 to honor and remember former state Representative Fred Durhal Jr. The flag lowering will coincide with the date of the funeral. [Full text continues with background on Representative Durhal’s service]
Honoring State Senator Faith Winter
Dec 5th through (to be determined).
Faith was a steady, compassionate, and fierce advocate for all families in Colorado. From her time as an environmental advocate to her leadership in the halls of the State Capitol, Faith’s dedication improved the lives of all Coloradans. I order all flags to be flown at half staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow Friday December 5, 2025 in honor of Senator Faith Winter, who made immeasurable contributions to the State of Colorado through her years of relentless advocacy for women, families, and our beautiful state.
Honoring Specialist Sarah Beckstrom
Dec 4th through (to be determined).
To honor the passing of West Virginia Army National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, following the Presidential proclamation and in accordance with U.S. Flag Code.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
A resolution approved by Congress in 1994 designates December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day,” and directs that all flags be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sundown.
State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante
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 at all state buildings beginning immediately today, November 27, 2025, until sunset on the day of interment, in honor of the life and legacy, and in recognition of the passing, of State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante.
Stockton Shooting
“As more details emerge about this horrific shooting, my heart is with the families of the victims and the entire Stockton community. No child should ever have their life taken from them. I’ve ordered flags at the State Capitol to fly at half-staff to honor the children we mourn and stand with the community as it grieves.” – Governor Newsom
Update December 16, 2025: With the funeral services for the victims believed to be concluded, this notice is now closed as the community continues to honor their memory.
Honor of Sergeant Terri Sweeting-Mashkow
Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Sergeant Terri Sweeting-Mashkow
On Friday, November 21, 2025, Sergeant Terri Sweeting-Mashkow of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office was killed in the line of duty at the age of 47. Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow died a hero and took pride in protecting her community from danger. Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow served the State of Florida and Indian River County for 25 years. She leaves behind her husband, daughter, and stepson. Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow served her community with integrity, courage, and compassion. She will not be forgotten.
To honor the memory of Sergeant Terri Sweeting-Mashkow and her service to our state, 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 Indian River County from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, December 2, 2025
https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/memorandum-flags-half-staff-honor-sergeant-terri-sweeting-mashkow