Flags will be lowered to half-staff across six states this weekend as governors and local leaders mark recent deaths, tragedies, and the lives of public servants remembered for their contributions.
Why It Matters
A cluster of state orders this week reflects a long-standing national custom: lowering flags to publicly recognize grief, honor service, and acknowledge the impact of sudden loss. Collectively, the tributes underscore the dangers faced by first responders and the lasting imprint community leaders leave behind.
What To Know
Half-staff directives have been issued in South Dakota, Washington, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wyoming. The orders vary in length—some covering a single day, others extending through memorial services or interment dates.
They include the following:
1. South Dakota
Governor Larry Rhoden ordered flags at the State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in honor of former legislator Orville (Orv) Smidt, who served in the state House and Senate from 1999 to 2009.
A funeral service was scheduled at GracePoint Wesleyan Church in Brookings.
2. Washington
Washington state and U.S. flags at all state agency facilities are to be lowered to half-staff on December 27, 2025, in memory of State Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, who died in the line of duty on December 19, 2025. Residents and organizations outside state government were encouraged to participate as well.
3. Delaware
Governor Matt Meyer ordered flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff beginning December 23, 2025, in remembrance of Delaware State Trooper Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, who was killed in the line of duty during a shooting at the Wilmington DMV in New Castle. The order continues through interment.
4. Pennsylvania
Governor Josh Shapiro directed Commonwealth flags in Bucks County to be flown at half-staff from December 24 to December 30, 2025, honoring the victims of the Silver Lake Nursing Home explosion and fire in Bristol Township.
5. West Virginia
West Virginia flags were ordered lowered in honor of Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who were shot in Washington, DC, last month. Beckstrom later died from her injuries, while Wolfe remains hospitalized and recovering.
6. Wyoming
Flags at all Wyoming state government facilities were ordered to half-staff in honor of former State Superintendent Judy Catchpole until the date of her interment.
What People Are Saying
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said:
“I am deeply saddened by the death of Washington State Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, 29, Badge #720, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty on Friday, December 19, 2025.
“I hereby direct that Washington state and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in her memory on Saturday, December 27, 2025. I have no objection to agencies lowering the flags at the close of business on Friday, December 26, 2025. Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Saturday, December 27, 2025, or first thing Monday morning, December 29.”
In a joint statement, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, First Lady Lauren Meyer, Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay, and Second Gentleman Olin Gay, said:
“Today, we mourn the loss of a Delaware State Trooper who gave his life in the line of duty. He made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow Delawareans, and our hearts are broken for his family. We are praying for them, their loved ones, and every state trooper as they grieve this sudden and unimaginable loss.
“Protecting the lives and livelihoods of Delawareans is our most fundamental responsibility, and moments like this underscore both the risks our first responders take and the courage they show every day. We are deeply grateful to the state and local law enforcement officers and emergency personnel whose professionalism and quick action helped prevent further harm.”
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said:
“The people of West Virginia stand united in condemning this cowardly and evil act. We honor Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe for his courage, and we honor Specialist Sarah Beckstrom for making the ultimate sacrifice in service to her state and nation.
“We hold their families, their friends, and their fellow Guardsmen in our deepest thoughts and prayers. This moment of silence, and lowering of the flags, is one small way to demonstrate our gratitude, our respect, and our support during this painful and heartbreaking time.”
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon said:
“Judy Catchpole devoted her life to Wyoming’s kids, and our state is better because of her steady leadership and wholehearted service. Jennie and I treasured our friendship with Judy and Glenn. We will miss her deeply and hold Glenn and their family in our prayers.”
What Happens Next
Each half-staff order will remain in place according to the issuing state’s guidance—ranging from one-day observances to multi-day tributes running through December 30, 2025, or continuing until interment for those being honored.
