In Washington State, the act of lowering the flag to half-staff is a solemn gesture, a visual representation of mourning and respect. These directives, issued by the Governor, serve as a unified signal for the state to acknowledge significant events, honor lives lost, and pay tribute to specific groups. This article delves into the specifics of when and why Governor Ferguson orders flags to be lowered, offering a comprehensive guide to understanding this important protocol.
Governor Ferguson, like his predecessors, directs flags to be lowered to half-staff in specific instances of remembrance and respect. You can sign up for email notifications to stay informed about these directives. Generally, these occasions include:
It's important to note that when the President of the United States issues a flag-lowering order, the Governor will issue a corresponding directive for Washington State.
While the Governor's directive is binding on state entities, other government entities, residents, and businesses are encouraged to participate in this recognition. This unified action amplifies the message of respect and solidarity throughout the state.
The state's standard protocol emphasizes lowering flags on the day of formal memorial services. This timing is considered most meaningful to the families of the fallen, providing a visible symbol of collective mourning and support during their time of grief. You can find the latest flag lowering notices on the Governor's website.
In addition to flag-lowering protocols, Washington State law (RCW 1.20.017) mandates the display of the National League of Families POW/MIA flag. Every state agency, institution of higher education, county, city, and town must display this flag along with the state and national flags on specific days:
If any of these days fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the POW/MIA flag is displayed on the preceding Friday and may remain up over the weekend.
To stay informed about official actions taken by Governor Ferguson, including flag-lowering directives, you can visit the Official Actions section of the Washington State Governor's website. You can also sign up for email updates, follow the Governor on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to the RSS news feed.
Understanding the flag-lowering protocols in Washington State provides insight into the values and priorities of the state government. By recognizing specific events and honoring those who have served and sacrificed, these directives serve as a powerful symbol of unity, respect, and remembrance for all Washingtonians.
