Governor Polis ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor the former United States Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell on the day of his memorial. Flags are to be lowered from sunrise to sunset on Monday, April 13.
“Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell served in uniform, in the Colorado state house, the U.S House of Representatives, the United States Senate, and on the 1964 Olympics judo team, representing Colorado with compassion and devotion. His commitment to addressing the issues that Coloradans care most about through bipartisanship and his leadership to strengthen tribal relations made Colorado and the nation stronger," said Governor Polis.
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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.
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