John P. McDonough, Secretary of State    

Flying Maryland's Flag at Half Staff - Date & Commemoration

The Maryland flag is flying at full staff. MD FLAG STATUS AT A GLANCE
Date Commemoration
Maryland citizens like to know whenever Governor O'Malley has declared that flags—both U.S. and State, are to be flown at half-staff. If you would like to be added to our distribution list, please click here. Our flag alert system will automatically notify you via email of any change in flag status.
 

In response to inquiries we have received, the Office of the Secretary of State would like to explain the recent implementation of Public Law 110-41. This federal law authorizes the Governor of a State to order that the U.S. flag be flown at half staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces from that State who dies while serving on active duty. To further honor the sacrifice of this individual, Governor O'Malley has ordered both the United States Flag and the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff.

State Flag Protocol
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 In accordance with President Obama’s proclamation, Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered that the United States Flag and the Maryland State Flag be flown at half-staff on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 from sunrise to sunset in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half-staff on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Major Robert J. Marchanti II, of Westminster, Maryland, who died on February 25, 2012 in Kabul, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Wednesday, March 07, 2012 This is to advise you that President Obama has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half-staff immediately. This is in memory of New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne who passed away today. The flags are to be remained lowered until sunset on Wednesday, March 7, 2012. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half-staff on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Airman 1st Class Matthew R. Seidler, of Westminster, Maryland, who died on January 5, 2012 in Shir ghazi, Helmand province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Friday, January 13, 2012 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Friday, January 13, 2012, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Specialist Ronald H. Wildrick, Jr., of Woodsboro, Maryland, who died on December 11, 2011 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Thursday, December 29, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Thursday, December 29, 2011, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Sergeant Michael Boehm of the U.S. Park Police, who died on December 16, 2011 in the line of duty and will be interred on Thursday, December 29, 2011.
Wednesday, December 07, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 from sunrise to sunset. This action is in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, in memory of the brave Americans who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and security of our Nation. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Thursday, November 10, 2011, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Lt. Col. David E. Cabrera of Olney, Maryland, who died on October 29, 2011 in Kabul province, Afghanistan, and will be interred on Friday, November 11, 2011. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Thursday, October 13, 2011 In accordance with Public Law 107-51, President Barack Obama has ordered the United States Flag to be flown at half staff on Sunday, October 16th, 2011. This is in observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. Accordingly, the Maryland State Flag will also be flown at half staff for the entire day. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Friday, September 09, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Sunday, September 11, 2011, from sunrise to sunset. This is in honor of Patriot Day, in respect and memory of the victims who died as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Thursday, September 01, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Friday, September 2, 2011, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Sgt. Barun Rai, of Silver Spring, Maryland, who died on August 3, 2011 in Logar province, Afghanistan. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Thursday, September 01, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half-staff on Thursday, September 1, 2011, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Sgt. Jameel T. Freeman of Baltimore, Maryland, who died on August 11, 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Monday, August 22, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, August 23, 2011, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Former Maryland Delgate Kenneth L. Webster, who died on August 13, 2011. Delegate Webster served in the Maryland General Assembly from 1970 to 1978, and he authored legislation to make Maryland the second state to recognize the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a holiday in 1974. This action is taken under the Protocol for the Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Friday, June 24, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Friday, June 24, 2011, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Former State Delegate Ruth M. Kirk, who died on June 17, 2011. Delegate Kirk served West Baltimore’s 44th District for 28 years. This action is taken under the Protocol for the Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Monday, May 30, 2011 Pursuant to President Barack Obama’s Presidential Proclamation, Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff from sunrise to NOON on Monday, May 30, 2011. This is in honor of Memorial Day, in memory of the brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and security of our Nation. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff until sunset on Friday, May 27th, 2011. This is in memory of Trooper First Class Shaft S. Hunter, of the Maryland State Police Waterloo Barracks, who died May 21, 2011 in the line of duty. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Monday, May 23, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately. This is in memory of Trooper First Class Shaft S. Hunter, of the Maryland State Police Waterloo Barracks, who died May 21, 2011 in the line of duty. The flag shall continue to be flown at half staff until sunset on the day of the funeral. This office will send an additional notice when the date of the funeral is released. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Thursday, May 19, 2011 from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Former Delegate Frank D. Boston, Jr., who died on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. The former Delegate served from 1987 to 1999 and represented District 41, Baltimore City. This action is taken under the Protocol for the Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Friday, May 13, 2011 In accordance with President Barack Obama’s Presidential Proclamation, Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag be flown at half staff on Sunday, May 15, 2011 from sunrise to sunset in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day. Governor Martin O’Malley would like to recognize and honor Peace Officers Memorial Day and the law enforcement officers who serve and protect us with courage and dedication and to honor those who have lost their lives or been injured in the line of duty. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Monday, May 09, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Air Force MSgt. Tara R. Brown of Bowie, Maryland, who was killed in action while serving as a NATO Air Training Commander-Afghanistan Communication Advisor in Kabul, Afghanistan. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Thursday, April 28, 2011, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Capt. Charles E. Ridgley, Jr., of Baltimore, Maryland, who died on April 16, 2011 in the line of duty at Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag to remain at half staff until sunset on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. This is in memory of former Governor William Donald Schaefer, who died on April 18, 2011 of natural causes. Mr. Schaefer was Governor of Maryland from 1987 to 1995, Comptroller from 1999 to 2007 and Mayor of Baltimore from 1971 to 1987. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Monday, April 18, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O'Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately. This is in memory of William Donald Schaefer, former Governor of the State of Maryland, who died today of natural causes. Mr. Schaefer was Governor of Maryland from 1987 to 1995 and Comptroller from 1999 to 2007. This office will send an additional notice for when the flag is to be raised. This action is taken under the Protocol for the Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Thursday, April 7, 2011, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Marine Staff Sgt. James M. Malachowski, of Westminster, Maryland, who died on March 20, 2011 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Monday, March 14, 2011 By order of a proclamation from President Obama, the United States Flag and Maryland State flag will be flown at half staff on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, from sunrise to sunset. This is in honor of Army Corporal Frank W. Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, and in remembrance of the generation of American veterans of World War I. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Monday, January 24, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff until sunset on Monday, January 24, 2011. This is in memory of Mark Falkenhan, a firefighter with the Baltimore County Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company (Station 30), a part of the Baltimore County Fire Department, who died on January 19, 2011 in the line of duty. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Sunday, January 23, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag remain at half staff until sunset on Wednesday, January 26, 2011. This is in memory of Sargent Shriver, the founding director of the Peace Corps and a lifelong public servant. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Thursday, January 20, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately. This is in memory of Mark Falkenhan, a firefighter with the Baltimore County Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company (Station 30), a part of the Baltimore County Fire Department, who died yesterday in the line of duty. Flags should remain lowered until sunset on the day of his funeral. A notice will follow with that information as soon as arrangements are made. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff until sunset on January 19, 2011. This is in memory of Officer William H. Torbit, Jr. of the Baltimore City Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on Sunday, January 9, 2011. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Marine Lance Cpl. Maung P. Htaik of Hagerstown, Maryland, who died January 1, 2011 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. The Maryland State Flag is currently at half staff and will remain so until the interment of Baltimore City Police Officer William Torbit, Jr. on Wednesday, January 19, 2011. The United States Flag is currently at half staff until sunset tonight per President Obama’s proclamation regarding the victims of the tragedy in Arizona. Therefore, the United States Flag will go back to full staff today at sunset. The United States Flag should be lowered to half staff on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 from sunrise to sunset for Marine Lance Cpl. Maung P. Htaik. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Monday, January 10, 2011 This is to advise you that President Obama has ordered the United States Flag and all State flags flown at half staff immediately. This is to honor the victims of the tragedy in Tucson, Arizona on Saturday, January 8, 2011. The flags should remain at half staff until sunset on January 14, 2011. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State
Monday, January 10, 2011 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately. This is in memory of Officer William H. Torbit, Jr. of the Baltimore City Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on Sunday, January 9, 2011. As the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag are already at half staff, special instructions will be sent regarding when to raise the Maryland State Flag back to full staff. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, December 7, 2010, from sunrise to sunset. This action is in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, in memory of the brave Americans who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and security of our Nation. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, November 23, 2010, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Spc. David C. Lutes, of Frostburg, Maryland, who died on November 11, 2010 from injuries sustained in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Monday, November 15, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Monday, November 15, 2010, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Lance Corporal Terry E. Honeycutt, Jr., USMC, of Waldorf, Maryland, who died on October 27, 2010 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag remain at half staff until sunset on Wednesday, October 27, 2010. This is in memory of Officer Thomas R. Portz, Jr., of the Baltimore City Police Department, who died on October 20, 2010 in the line of duty. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Thursday, October 21, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately. This is in memory of Officer Thomas R. Portz, Jr., of the Baltimore City Police Department, who died yesterday in the line of duty. The flag shall continue to be flown at half staff until sunset on the day of the funeral. This office will send an additional notice when the date of the funeral is released. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Sgt. John F. Burner, III of Baltimore, Maryland, who died on September 16, 2010 in Iskandariya, Iraq. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Saturday, October 09, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Saturday, October 9, 2010, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Sgt. 1st Class Lance H. Vogeler, of Frederick Maryland, who died on October 1, 2010 in Bastion, Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Monday, October 04, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Monday, October 4, 2010 from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Lt. (SEAL) Brendan J. Looney, USN of Owings, Maryland, who died on September 21, 2010 during combat operations in the Zabul province, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Saturday, September 11, 2010 This is to advise you that the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag are to be flown at half staff on Saturday, September 11, 2010 from sunrise to sunset. This is in honor and memory of the lives lost on September 11, 2001 and to mark the ninth anniversary of that tragic day. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, July 27, 2010. This is in honor of National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, in memory of the Americans who died as a result of their service in the Korean War.
Monday, July 26, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Monday, July 26, 2010, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Tyras “Bunk” Athey, who died on July 20, 2010. Mr. Athey served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1967-1993 and as Secretary of State from 1993-1995. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Tuesday, July 06, 2010 This is to advise you that interment for Delegate Page Elmore will be today, June 30, 2010. Protocol would require that we raise the Maryland State Flag back to full staff on sunset on the day of interment. However, because the United States Flag is lowered to honor Senator Robert Byrd, the Maryland State Flag and United States Flag will remain at half staff until sunset on the day of interment for Senator Byrd, which will be Tuesday, July 6, 2010. This action is taken under the Protocol for the Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Thursday, July 01, 2010 Updated Flag lowering. This is to advise you that President Obama has issued a Proclamation stating that the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff from sunrise to sunset in memory of Senator Robert Byrd. The United States Flag and Maryland State Flag shall be flown at full staff on Independence Day (July 4) ONLY and return to half staff until the day of interment on July 6 from sunrise to sunset.
Monday, June 28, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately. This is in memory of Delegate Page Elmore of Somerset and Wicomico Counties, Maryland, who died suddenly yesterday. Delegate Elmore served the people of Maryland's Eastern Shore honorably, and his service in the House of Delegates will be missed. The flag shall continue to be flown at half staff until sunset on the day of the funeral. This office will send an additional notice when the date of the funeral is released.
Monday, June 28, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately in memory of Senator Robert Byrd, who died today after a long battle with illness at the age of 92. The flags will remain at half staff until his internment.
Saturday, June 19, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff until sunset on Saturday, June 19, 2010. This is in memory of Maryland State Trooper 1st Class Wesley W. Brown, who died on June 11th in the line of duty. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Friday, June 11, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately. This is in memory of Trooper Wesley Brown, of the Maryland State Police Forestville barracks, who died today in the line of duty. The flag shall continue to be flown at half staff until sunset on the day of the funeral. This office will send an additional notice when the date of the funeral is released.
Monday, May 31, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff from sunrise to NOON on Monday, May 31, 2010. This is in honor of Memorial Day, in memory of the brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and security of our Nation. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Marine Cpl. Kurt S. Shea of Frederick, Maryland, who died on May 10, 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Saturday, May 15, 2010 Peace Officers Memorial Day is on May 15, 2010. This year Armed Forces Day also falls on May 15, 2010. The U.S. Flag Code states that “the flag shall be flown at half staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day.” Therefore, the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag will remain at full staff on May 15, 2010. While the flags will remain at full staff, the Governor would like to recognize and honor Peace Officers Memorial Day and the law enforcement officers who serve and protect us with courage and dedication, and to honor those who have lost their lives or been injured in the line of duty. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Thursday, April 29, 2010 This is to advise you that the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag are to be flown at half staff on Thursday, April 29, 2010, from sunrise to sunset. President Barack Obama has ordered the flags flown at half staff as a mark of respect for the memory of Dorothy Height, a founding matriarch of the American civil rights movement whose crusade for racial justice and gender equality spanned more than six decades. This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag. Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Monday, April 19, 2010 This is to advise you that the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag are to be flown at half staff on Monday, April 19, 2010, from sunrise to sunset. President Barack Obama has proclaimed April 19, 2010 as National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, 2010. This is in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of terrorism.
Monday, April 05, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff until sunset on Friday, April 9, 2010. This is in memory of Montgomery County Police Officer Hector Ayala, who died on April 4, 2010 from injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Thursday, March 25, 2010, from sunrise to sunset. This is in honor of Army Sgt. Anthony A. Paci of Rockville, Maryland, who died on March 4, 2010 in Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag to remain at half staff until sunset on Monday, March 15, 2010. This is in honor of Police Officer First Class Thomas P. Jensen, a Prince George’s County Police Officer who died on March 9, 2010 of injuries sustained in the line of duty on February 27, 2010. Officer Jensen was a 5-1/2 year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Sgt. David J. Smith of Frederick, Maryland, who died on January 26, 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Charles “Mac” Mathias, Jr., a life-long public servant, a former three-term U.S. Senator, Congressman, and member of the Maryland House of Delegates, who died on January 25, 2010.
Friday, December 11, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Friday, December 11, 2009, in memory of Army Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Pucino of Cockeysville, Maryland, who died on November 23, 2009 in Pashay Kala, Afghanistan.
Monday, December 07, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Monday, December 7, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This action is in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, in memory of the brave Americans who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and security of our Nation.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in honor of Army SPC Christopher J. Coffland, of Baltimore, Maryland, who died on November 13, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Wardak province, Afghanistan.
Monday, November 16, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Monday, November 16, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Marine Sgt. Charles I. Cartwright, of Union Bridge, Maryland, who died on November 7, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan.
Friday, November 06, 2009 This is to advise you that President Barack Obama has ordered the United States Flag to be flown at half staff immediately in memory of those who lost their lives yesterday in the deadly shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas. The flags shall remain at half staff until sunset on November 10, 2009. Therefore, Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag to also be flown at half staff immediately and remain at half staff until sunset on November 10, 2009.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in honor of Army Sergeant First Class Bradley S. Bohle, who died on September 16, 2009 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sunday, October 04, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Sunday, October 4, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in honor of Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan L. Chrobot, of Frederick, Maryland, who died on September 26, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Monday, September 21, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Monday, September 21, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Sergeant First Class Duane A. Thornsbury of Temple Hills, Maryland, who died on September 12, 2009 in Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Friday, September 11, 2009 This is to advise you that the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag are to be flown at half staff on Friday, September 11, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in honor and memory of the lives lost on September 11, 2001 and to mark the eighth anniversary of that tragic day.
Saturday, August 29, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Saturday, August 29, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Sergeant First Class William B. Woods, Jr., of the Maryland National Guard, who died on August 16, 2009 from injuries sustained while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 Revised notice: This is to advise you that President Obama has issued a Proclamation stating that the United States Flag shall remain at half staff until sunset on August 30, 2009. Furthermore, if the day of interment is after August 30, 2009, the flags will be flown at half staff on that day from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Senator Ted Kennedy, who died Tuesday after a long battle with brain cancer. The Maryland State Flag will, therefore, remain at half staff until sunset on August 30, 2009 and on the day of interment from sunrise to sunset.
Monday, August 24, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Monday, August 24, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Lance Cpl. Dennis J. Burrow, of Laurel, Maryland, who died on August 7, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Sgt. Michael W. Heede, Jr. of Edgewood, Maryland, who died on July 13, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Monday, July 27, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Monday, July 27, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in honor of National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, in memory of the Americans who died as a result of their service in the Korean War.
Friday, July 03, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Friday, July 3, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Sgt. Rodrigo A. Munguia Rivas of Germantown, Maryland, who died on June 21, 2009 in Bagram, Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Monday, May 25, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Thursday, May 21, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army SPC Michael E. Yates, Jr. of Federalsburg, Maryland, who died on May 11, 2009 in Camp Liberty, Baghdad while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Thursday, May 21, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Former Delegate Pauline H. Menes, a Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1967 to 2007, who passed away on May 16, 2009. Delegate Menes was House Parliamentarian from 1995 to 2007, co-founder and first chair of the Women’s Legislative Caucus, and helped pass over 2,000 bills and policy changes during her 40-year career in the Maryland General Assembly.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 In accordance with President Obama’s proclamation, Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered that the United States Flag and the Maryland State Flag be flown at half staff on Friday, May 15, 2009 from sunrise to sunset in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Friday, May 15, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Marine Sgt. James R. McIlvaine of Olney, Maryland, who died on April 30, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff in memory of Chief Charles “Buck” Clough, Jr., Fire Chief of the Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 6 in Queen Anne’s County, until sunset on Sunday, April 19, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Monday, March 16, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Captain Brian M. Bunting, of Potomac, Maryland, who died on February 24, 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Friday, March 13, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff from sunrise to NOON on Monday, May 25, 2009. This action is in honor of Memorial Day, in memory of the brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and security of our Nation.
Thursday, March 12, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Saturday, March 14, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Former State Delegate and Harford County Council Member Joanne Parrott. Ms. Parrott was President of MACo in 1998 and was an active member while on the Harford County Council.
Monday, January 01, 1900 Updated Flag Lowering for Senator Byrd This is to advise you that President Obama has issued a Proclamation stating that the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff from sunrise to sunset in memory of Senator Robert Byrd. The United States Flag and Maryland State Flag shall be flown at full staff on Independence Day (July 4) ONLY and return to half staff until the day of interment on July 6 from sunrise to sunset.
This action is taken under the Protocol for the Maryland State Flag. Any question on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State at 410-974-5521.

Questions regarding these matters should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.

General Information

[flags flying at half staff]

The Maryland flag should be flown at half-staff:

  • whenever the U.S. flag is so flown;
  • when so ordered by county and municipal government officials on all property under their jurisdiction; and
  • on Memorial Day, when the U.S. flag and Maryland flag are displayed at half-staff until noon only; then they are hoisted to the top of the staff.