On November 7, Governor Polis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sundown on the day of the Officer Evan Dunn’s, opens a new window memorial service, who was struck by a suspected impaired driver while responding to a crash on Colorado 58. The date of the service has not yet been set. Officer Dunn also served as a pilot and company commander in the Colorado National Guard.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Dunn, and my thoughts go out to his family and friends on the Golden Police Department. We also hope for a speedy recovery for the officer who was injured in this incident. Our law enforcement officers put themselves in harm's way to protect Coloradans day in and day out, and that’s exactly what Officer Dunn and his partner, Officer Bethany Grusing, were doing. We are grateful for their service and commitment to keeping Coloradans safe
Flags will also be flown at half-staff on Monday, November 11, in honor of Veterans Day. Veterans Day is a national holiday, opens a new window celebrated every year on November 11 and honors American veterans of all wars. Each year, there is a ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery and a wreath is placed at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
Visit halfstaff.org, opens a new window or colorado.gov/governor/flag-status, opens a new window for up-to-date information and sign up for alerts.
Brief History
The tradition of flying a flag at half-staff began in the 17th century. Sometimes you'll hear "half-mast" but that is reserved for usage aboard a ship. The president can issue an executive order for the flag to be flown at half-staff, often upon the death of a notable figure or because of a tragic event. When such an order is issued, all government buildings, military bases, schools and offices are to lower their flags half-staff.
Why are other flags flown at half-staff? Because no flag can be placed above the flag of the United States. Governors of U.S. states and territories can also order U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff, often when a member of the armed forces dies in active duty or when a current or former state official dies.
Learn more about the flag and Flag Day, a day that celebrates that red, white and blue.
Flag Etiquette
Read about flag code and etiquette, opens a new window.
Add a comment to: Why Is the Flag at Half-Staff?