What Really Causes the Texas Flag to be Flown at Half-Staff?

At least once in our lives, we've all seen the Texas flag flown halfway up the pole. This is called "half-staff" and often means more than the death of an influential person.

Understanding the Flag Status in Texas

You can always check the status of the Texas flag by going to the Office of the Texas Governor website.

Flying the Texas flag at business fronts and or municipal buildings is not a requirement, but there are certain expectations if they are. For instance, any flag in the state that is NOT the Texas flag or the American flag cannot be higher on the pole than either of these two.

Also, when Texas and American flags are ordered to be raised at half-staff, all other flags on the property should be completely removed.

When Is the American Flag at Half-Staff?

When it comes to the American flag, the dead giveaway explaining why it's at half-staff is because the country is in a period of mourning. The two individuals who have the power to declare the status of the American flag are the president and the state governor.

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Did you also know that Memorial Day is one of the few exceptions throughout the year where American flags are flown at half-staff WITHOUT a formal declaration. This is done to honor our nation's fallen heroes who have died in service of our country.

You can check out the full list of which public office-holders will be honored with a lowered flag upon their death from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, but here are some highlights:

• Vice President, Chief Justice, or Speaker of the House - 10 days after death
• State Governors, members of the Cabinet, former VP, president pro tempore, or majority and minority leaders of House/Senate - from death to burial
• U.S. Senator or Representative - day of death and one day after

Finally, when a current or former president dies, all American flags at all federal buildings, both on the ground and on naval vessels, should be flown at half-staff for no less than 30 days.