Today, flags across the state of Texas are at half-staff to honor George Floyd, a Black Texan who died while under police custody. In honoring Floyd today, flags are flown at half-staff by order of both the governor and the President of The United States.
Floyd’s passing was tragic and heartbreaking—he was just 46 years old. But in his passing has come an awakened awareness of racism across racial lines, a call for individuals and local governments to grapple with criminal justice reform in their communities and questions of how we can do better as a nation to eradicate racism and violence.
Flags throughout Texas at half-staff today serve as a moment to pause, reflect on the life and circumstances that led to George Floyd’s death, remember all those who have lost their lives to violence and systemic racism, and commit to change that can make our communities safer for all people. Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on July 11th per the governor’s order.
The citizens of Texas will also pause in vigil on Tuesday then come together with members of the family—such as Ben Crump, Floyd’s civil right attorney—for George Floyd’s memorial service which is scheduled for June 9th in his hometown Houston.. Following this tragedy we must all come together as a unified force oppose injustice and create change. Flags at half-staff serve as reminders for all Texans— regardless of race or religion—to be advocates for justice in our state so another person doesn't have to lose their life under similar tragic circumstances like George Floyd's again.
When will flags in Texas be returned to full-staff?
Flag-lowering in Texas has been a hot topic in the news recently, with Texans eager to know when their state flags will be returned to full-staff. This question is complex, as it both depends on the discretion of Governor Greg Abbott, and is subject to certain federal laws.
In March 2020, Governor Abbott ordered flags across Texas to be lowered to half-staff in memory of the peace officers killed in the line of duty. This order was met with much approval from Texans from around the state and has yet to be rescinded. As such, if returning flags to full-staff is something time-sensitive that Abbott desires for Texans, he could execute an executive order for flags to resume normal height again.
To enact a change like this one must first consider federal regulations as well as any public sentiment. At present, any changes involving flag status would require approval by the National Flag Day Foundation (FBDF), an organization established specifically for such purposes. According to the NFFD's regulations, flags must remain at half-staff until all foreign dignitaries have left U.S soil or until all mourning ceremonies have concluded. Once those specific criteria have been met and Governor Abott signs or issues an official executive order reinstating flags back up then Texans will see them returned to full-staff status again.
Ultimately only time will tell when flags in Texas will return back to full-staff; it is subject to both state and federal rules that are still being determined each and every day. In order for a change like this one must first take into consideration numerous factors before making a decision that affects citizens on a wide scale; only when all these criteria have been satisfied will we see our beloved Texas flag raised up high once more.
What caused flags in Texas to be lowered to half-staff?
Flags in Texas were recently lowered to half-staff following the devastating winter storm that left millions of Texans without power, heat and water for days. This wave of extreme weather revealed deep flaws within the Texas electricity infrastructure, with some power companies being unable to keep up with the surging demand for energy and also failing to utilize emergency sources to stay online during the coldest days. Furthermore, due to a lack of winterization measures taken prior risks were exacerbated by unexpectedly cold temperatures caused by a broken jet stream over North America.
The electric grid emergency was declared by both systemic inadequacies as well as external forces. The emergency exposed a culture of deregulation among the state’s electric utilities that made it easier for companies to make profits over investing in further safeguards — leading many Texans into a life-threatening situation. In addition, mismanagement of natural gas contracts led to an increase in fuel prices which created additional strain on the budget as well as added risk as a result of supply shortages — all compiled into an environment that was prone to failure when met by unusual occurrences such as plunging temperatures.
The combination of these elements caused Texas flags to be lowered to half-staff in recognition of those impacted by this event and in honor of those who lost their lives. As Texas recovers from this extreme weather event has been increasingly focusing on increasing regulatory oversight, improved grid construction and maintenance for its utilities, as well implementing measures that ensure adequate winterization efforts are taken each season as means prevent receive future disasters from occurring again.
What event is being commemorated by flying flags at half-staff in Texas?
Every year, Texans come together in solidarity to commemorate the life of a local state politician and naval officer, Admiral Matthew C. Perry. In 1853, Perry negotiated the Treaty of Kanagawa, which opened Japan up for trade with the United States for the first time in history. In Texas, this diplomatic victory is celebrated by flying flags at half-staff every April 8th.
The occasion of remembering Admiral Perry is an annual reminder of his legacy and his commitment to diplomacy as a means of advancing international relations and expanding trade opportunities. This commemoration also serves to remind citizens young and old that meaningful progress can be achieved through diplomacy and respectful dialogue among nations.
Perry's memory is celebrated in Texas not only through lower flags but also with special observances such as flag ceremonies, educational activities engaging citizens about Admiral Perry’s career, documents or artifacts related to his voyages on display, and memorial services at various Veterans cemeteries across the State. By reflecting on Perry’s seminal achievements and inspiring leadership we are invited to take a look into our own lives as citizens – inspiring us to make a positive difference in our communities through diplomacy, peacebuilding techniques and cooperation.
What is the proper etiquette for honoring a flag at half-staff in Texas?
In Texas, the proper etiquette for honoring a flag at half-staff is rooted in code and tradition. While honoring flags in this manner can be seen as a sign of respect, properly executing the gesture is essential to maintain its intended meaning.
Beginning with Texas code, the government mandates that the state’s citizens lower the US flag to half-staff on days decreed by President or Governor proclamation. The details of each proclamation will specify when individuals should raise and lower their flags throughout the state. Private citizens can honor veterans or other public figures outside of these mandates by conducting brief flag lowering ceremonies at their own establishment.
For those upholding half-staff etiquette in Texas, there are a few important additional considerations to keep in mind. As an impromptu display of respect, Texans should always ensure that any part of their actual flag raising or lowering process is performed with care and reverence. This includes respecting the national anthem and raising a hand when it is playing along with offering appropriate salutes when necessary. Additionally, individuals should check that their flags are clean and in good condition before putting them up for display featuring wrinkles or dirt defeats the purpose of honoring them in the first place.
In summary, Texans may use half-staffing to honor individuals or dates as mandated by authorities in addition to honoring specific people or causes on an individual basis whenever they choose. Adhering to proper protocol as outlined by code is only part of maintaining respectful etiquette towards flags - ample care should also be taken to ensure that any processes related to displaying them are handled with tact and decorum at all times.
Why are there special days when flags are flown at half-staff in Texas?
It is not uncommon to see the US or a state flag flown at half-staff across the nation. While this practice is often a somber reminder of tragedy or death, there is actually quite a bit of history, and meaning behind the practice.
In Texas, state law dictates when flags are flown at half-staff. These days can commemorate individuals who made great contributions to the Lone Star State, holidays associated with those who served in military service, as well as certain tragic events. In all cases, flying a flag at half-staff is done out of respect for those being honored and as an act of remembrance on behalf of their work and sacrifices for all Texans. Depending on the type of event being recognized it is required that flags be lowered for periods ranging from minutes to days at a time.
For example, The Texas Flag Code states that all flags should be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day from sunrise until noon and on Peace Officer’s Memorial Day (April 30th) throughout the day to honor disaster responders. Additionally, flags should fly at half-staff if proclaimed by the Governor in observance or honor of a special event or person as tribute on their death. This includes veterans who served our country and prominent people in government or private life affiliated with organizations such as law enforcement agencies and Universities.
By honoring them though this practice we remind ourselves that those we lost had an impact on our daily lives and we will forever remember them for it.
Are the rules for flying the flag at half-staff in Texas the same for all states?
Whether you are a veteran, civically-minded citizen, student or patriot, you’ve likely seen a flag flown at half-staff and wondered what the story behind it was. The rules for flying the flag at half-staff are indeed set by state, not federal law in the United States. In other words, in Texas the rules are uniquely devised for that state and may differ from those of another state.
The flags of Texas must be lowered to half-staff on certain days that are designated by state proclamation or executive order. Those designations occur when it is necessary to honor an individual, like a fallen member of the military or other public figure who gave his life in service to their country or state. Additionally, national commemorative days established by Congress require that flags be flown at half-mast if they have been recognized by proclamation from the Governor of Texas (National Day of Prayer, Patriot Day, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day).
If individuals or organizations choose to fly their own flags at half-staff on any other day not prescribed by Texas legislation and executive order they must do it correctly – following any further instructions provided in the proclamation or executive order made relating to a specific event as layout out by authorities. For example – some proclamations could stipulate an exact start time; others could ask citizens to lower flags at a certain time in one particular location; while others yet could instruct residents to leave theirs lowered until noon before raising them out again for the rest of the day.
