The Half-Masting Maryland Governor Wes Moore
Governor Moore, who was (according to some, placed) in-charge during the (alleged “takedown” of) Baltimore Key Bridge and who has been (despite Oprah’s support or perhaps because of it) described by some essentially as a ‘DEI emplacement‘, is doing his part to diluate and demean the traditional honored meaning and purpose of flying fags at half-mast.
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Maryland Flag Status
As of today, February 23, 2025, Governor Wes Moore has been in office for 767 days. He was inaugurated as Maryland’s 63rd governor on January 18, 2023.
41 half-mastings by Gov Wes Moore noted.
2/19/2025
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag Will be Lowered to Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Thursday, February 20, 2025, for Civil Rights Heroes Day. This day recognizes the courage, sacrifice, and relentless efforts of civil rights and abolition leaders throughout history and reaffirms our commitment to be a land of opportunity, hope, and justice for every citizen. This year, February 20, 2025, is the 130th anniversary of the passing of Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery in Maryland in 1838 and became a leader of the movement for African-American civil rights in the 19th century.
1/16/2025
Flag Status Alert: United States Flag and Maryland Flag are at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff effective immediately. This action is for Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service who died in the line of duty on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The United States Flag will be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, January 24, 2025 for Master Firefighter Higgins; the day his funeral service.
12/29/2024
Flag Status Alert: United States Flag and Maryland Flag are at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the United States Flag and Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff effective immediately. Flags shall be returned to full-staff at sunset on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. This action is in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away today, Sunday, December 29, 2024 (per federal law, the flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of a former President).
12/19/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag Will be Lowered to Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Friday, December 20, 2024. This is for former State Delegate James E. Malone, Jr., who passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024.
11/15/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag Will be Lowered to Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore has ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Sunday, November 17, 2024. This is the day of the memorial service for Retired Maryland Court of Appeals Judge John F. McAuliffe, who passed away on Friday, October 25, 2024.
11/4/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag Will be Lowered to Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This is for former State Senator Ida G. Ruben, who passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024.
10/25/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag Will be Lowered to Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Saturday, October 26, 2024. This is for former State Delegate Dennis C. Donaldson, who passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024.
10/24/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag Will be Lowered to Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore has ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, tomorrow, Friday, October 25, 2024. This is the day of the memorial services for Retired Maryland Court of Special Appeals Judge Andrew Larimore Sonner, who passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024; and former State Delegate Thomas Harold Hattery, who passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
8/30/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag Will be Lowered to Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore has ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Saturday, August 31, 2024, for International Overdose Awareness Day. The purpose of the day is to commemorate the lives of individuals that have died from a drug overdose, to acknowledge the grief of friends and families of overdose victims, and to decrease the stigma associated with substance use disorders.
6/20/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag is at Half-Staff, United States Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the United States Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Saturday, June 22, 2024. This is the day of the funeral service for Agent Davis Martinez of the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation. Agent Martinez was killed in the line of duty on Friday, May 31, 2024.
6/1/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag is at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff effective immediately. A separate notification will be sent regarding the raising of the Maryland Flag. This action is for Agent Davis Martinez of the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation. Agent Martinez was killed in the line of duty on Friday, May 31, 2024.
5/31/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset, Sunday, June 2, 2024, for Fire and Rescue Memorial Remembrance Day. This day honors all fire, rescue, and emergency medical services personnel from the State of Maryland who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
5/30/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Saturday, June 1, 2024. This is for former State Delegate Doyle Niemann, who passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Former State Delegate Niemann represented Legislative District 47.
5/1/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset, Friday, May 3, 2024, for Fallen Heroes Day. This day honors Maryland police, firefighters, and emergency medical/rescue personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty during the last year.
4/19/2024
Flag Status Alert: United States Flag and Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the United States Flag and Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Saturday, April 20, 2024. This is the day of interment for Kevin Eugene Morgan, Chief of Police, Boonsboro Police Department. Chief Morgan died on April 13, 2024, as a result of an incident that occurred while on duty.
3/26/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag is at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff effective immediately. It will remain at half-staff until further notice. This is done in honor of the victims who tragically lost their lives as a result of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse that occurred today, Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
2/22/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Saturday, February 24, 2024. This is for former State Senator Larry E. Haines, who passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Former State Senator Haines represented Legislative District 5.
2/19/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Tuesday, February 20, 2024 for Civil Rights Heroes Day. This day recognizes the courage, sacrifice, and relentless efforts of civil rights and abolition leaders throughout history and reaffirms our commitment to be a land of opportunity, hope, and justice for every citizen.
2/7/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag is at Half-Staff, United States Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the United States Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Friday, February 9, 2024. This is the day of the memorial service for Navy Special Warfare Operator First Class Christopher J. Chambers. Navy Special Warfare Operator First Class Christopher Chambers was a Maryland native that died in the line of duty on January 11, 2024.
2/2/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag is at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Saturday, February 3, 2024. This is for former State Delegate Rudolph C. Cane, who passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2024. Former State Delegate Cane represented Legislative District 37A.
1/26/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag is at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff effective immediately. A separate notification will be sent regarding the raising of the Maryland Flag. This action is for Navy Special Warfare Operator First Class Christopher J. Chambers. Navy Special Warfare Operator First Class Christopher Chambers was a Maryland native that died in the line of duty on January 11, 2024.
1/19/2024
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Monday, January 22, 2024. This is for former State Senator Douglas J.J. Peters, who passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023. Former State Senator Peters represented Legislative District 23.
12/28/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Saturday, December 30, 2023. This is for former Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Henry Allan “Bud” Virts, who passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Henry Allan “Bud” Virts was the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture from 1998-2001.
12/14/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Friday, December 15, 2023. This is for former State Delegate Charles H. Wheatley III, who passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Charles H. Wheatley III represented Legislative District 6 in the House of Delegates from 1963-1966.
12/1/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Saturday, December 2, 2023. This is for former State Senator and Delegate Jennie M. Forehand, who passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. Jennie M. Forehand represented Legislative District 17 in the House of Delegates from 1978-1994 and in the State Senate from 1995-2015.
11/30/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Friday, December 1, 2023. This is for former Secretary of Veterans Affairs and former Delegate George W. Owings III, who passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. George W. Owings III was Maryland’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 2004-2007 and 2015-2023; and a Delegate from 1988-2004.
11/8/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Friday, November 10, 2023. This is the day of interment for former Secretary of Agriculture, former State Senator, and former Delegate Lewis R. Riley, who passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Lewis R. Riley was Maryland’s Secretary of Agriculture from 1994-1997 and 2003-2007, State Senator from 1987-1992, and State Delegate from 1979-1987.
10/25/2023
Flag Status Alert: United States Flag and Maryland Flag are at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the United States Flag and Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff effective immediately and returned to full-staff at sunset on the day of interment (not yet known). This action is in honor of Lt. Dillon Rinaldo of the Baltimore City Fire Department, who died today, October 25, 2023, after being critically injured in the line of duty on Thursday, October 19, 2023, while fighting a fire in the City of Baltimore.
10/20/2023
Flag Status Alert: United States Flag and Maryland Flag are at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the United States Flag and Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff effective immediately and returned to full-staff at sunset on the day of interment (not yet known). This action is in honor of EMT/Firefighter Rodney Pitts, III of the Baltimore City Fire Department, who died in the line of duty yesterday, Thursday, October 19, 2023, while fighting a fire in the City of Baltimore.
9/29/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag Will be Lowered to Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore has ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Monday, October 2, 2023. This is the day of the public memorial for Brooks Robinson, who passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. While he was known for his on-field play, “Mr. Oriole,” Brooks Robinson, is perhaps better known for the genuinely kind person he was off the field. His impact on our community and its people will not be forgotten.
8/30/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag Will be Lowered to Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore has ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Thursday, August 31, 2023, for International Overdose Awareness Day. This day aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related death in the continuing fight against the opioid epidemic in Maryland.
6/28/2023
Flag Status Alert: United States Flag and Maryland Flag are at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the United States Flag and Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff effective immediately and returned to full-staff at sunset on the day of interment (not yet known). This action is in honor of Firefighter Brice C. Trossbach of the Naval District Washington Fire Department at NAS Patuxent River, who died in the line of duty yesterday, Tuesday, June 27, 2023, while fighting a fire in St. Mary’s County.
6/23/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Saturday, June 24, 2023. This is the day of interment for former State Senator Norman R. Stone, Jr., who passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023. Former State Senator Stone represented Legislative District 6.
6/5/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Tuesday, June 6, 2023. This is the day of interment for former Secretary of State and former Prince George’s County Executive Winfield M. Kelly, Jr., who passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023. Winfield M. Kelly, Jr. was Maryland’s Secretary of State from 1987-1993 and Prince George’s County Executive from 1974-1978.
6/2/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset, Sunday, June 4, 2023, for Fire and Rescue Memorial Remembrance Day. This day honors all fire, rescue, and emergency medical services personnel from the State of Maryland who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
5/4/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset, Friday, May 5, 2023, for Fallen Heroes Day. This day honors Maryland police, firefighters, and emergency medical/rescue personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty during the last year.
4/27/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset, Saturday, April 29, 2023. This is the day of interment for former Speaker of the House of Delegates Casper R. Taylor, Jr., who passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023. Former Speaker Taylor represented Legislative District 1.
4/14/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Sunday, April 16, 2023. This is in honor of former State Delegate Marilyn Rubin Goldwater, who passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2023. Former State Delegate Goldwater represented Legislative District 16.
3/24/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag is at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from effective immediately until sunset today, Friday, March 24, 2023. This is done in honor of Maryland highway construction workers Rolando Ruiz, Carlos Orlando Villatoro Escobar, Jose Armando Escobar, Mahlon Simmons III, Mahlon Simmons II, and Sybil Lee Dimaggio, who tragically lost their lives during the tragic accident on Interstate 695 on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
3/15/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag is at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff effective immediately until sunset today, Wednesday, March 15, 2023. This is in honor of former State Delegate Sheila Hixson, who passed away on Sunday, November 6, 2022. Former State Delegate Hixson represented Legislative District 20.
2/17/2023
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag Will Be At Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore has ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff at sunrise, Monday, February 20, 2023 and returned to full-staff at sunset, Monday, February 20, 2023 for Civil Rights Heroes Day. This day recognizes the courage, sacrifice, and relentless efforts of civil rights and abolition leaders throughout history and reaffirms our commitment to be a land of opportunity, hope, and justice for every citizen.
Flying the flag at half-mast (or half-staff in the U.S.) is a long-standing tradition that signifies mourning, respect, distress, or national tragedy. However, its meaning and the occasions warranting its use have evolved over time.
Historical Origins & Meaning
- Naval Origins (17th Century)
- The earliest recorded instances of flying flags at half-mast come from maritime traditions, particularly in the 1600s. It was originally done to honor the death of an important figure, particularly naval officers or royalty.
- A ship flying a half-mast flag was often signaling that the crew was in mourning and that their leader had passed away.
- Symbolism in Early Use
- One theory suggests that lowering the flag left space for an invisible “death flag” above it, representing the deceased’s presence.
- Another interpretation is that it was a sign of submission to the divine or fate, acknowledging loss.
- Expansion to National Mourning
- By the 18th and 19th centuries, the tradition had expanded beyond ships to military forts and government buildings, marking significant events such as the death of monarchs, heads of state, or high-ranking military officers.
- This practice gradually spread to land-based government buildings and became a broader symbol of public mourning.
Who Traditionally Warranted a Flag at Half-Mast?
Historically, this honor was reserved for:
- Heads of State (Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers)
- Military Commanders or major war casualties
- National Figures (only those of extraordinary impact, like major inventors, religious leaders, or artists with significant influence)
- Great National Tragedies (such as wars or major disasters)
Before modern times, half-masting was rare and not a routine occurrence. It was typically reserved for truly major figures or catastrophic national events.
Why Has It Become Too Common Today?
In modern times, the flag at half-mast has been overused, diminishing its impact. Some reasons for this include:
- Lowering for a Wider Range of Individuals
- Today, flags are often lowered for state officials, police officers, first responders, local politicians, and sometimes even celebrities.
- This has caused the honor to feel more like a routine gesture rather than a rare mark of solemnity.
- More Frequent National Tragedies
- With mass shootings, terrorism, and other public tragedies occurring more frequently, half-masting has been used so often that it has lost some of its historical weight.
- Political & Social Influences
- Some governments now lower flags for causes beyond traditional mourning, including solidarity with movements or awareness campaigns, broadening the scope.
- Media & Public Pressure
- Social media and news coverage often push for flag-lowering as an immediate sign of respect, making it almost an automatic response rather than a considered act of mourning.
Conclusion
Historically, half-masting was a rare and solemn event, reserved for true national tragedies and high-profile deaths. Today, the practice has been overused, leading to a dilution of its significance. While still meaningful, the frequent lowering of flags has made it feel less special and more like a symbolic routine rather than a profound act of respect.
The tradition of flying the Maryland state flag at half-staff serves as a solemn tribute to honor significant individuals and commemorate pivotal events. Historically, this gesture was reserved for occasions of profound statewide or national impact, such as the passing of prominent leaders or in response to major tragedies.
Historical Context
In Maryland, the practice of lowering the state flag aligns with federal protocols for the U.S. flag. The Maryland Secretary of State’s office provides guidelines indicating that the Maryland flag should be flown at half-staff whenever the U.S. flag is similarly positioned, during periods of official mourning declared by the Governor, or on designated memorial days. citeturn0search1
Expansion of Half-Staff Orders
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the frequency of half-staff orders issued by Maryland governors. This expansion includes honoring a broader spectrum of individuals and events, such as:
- Local Heroes: Recognizing the sacrifices of first responders and public servants who have died in the line of duty. For instance, Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland flag to be flown at half-staff to honor Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, who tragically lost his life in January 2025. citeturn0search10
- Commemorative Days: Observing specific days of remembrance, such as Civil Rights Heroes Day. On February 20, 2025, the Maryland state flag was flown at half-staff by order of Governor Moore to honor the contributions of civil rights leaders, coinciding with the 130th anniversary of Frederick Douglass’s death. citeturn0search8
Implications of Increased Half-Staff Declarations
While the intention behind expanding half-staff recognitions is to honor a diverse array of individuals and causes, some observers express concern that the gesture’s significance may be diluted due to its frequent use. The original intent of half-staffing was to mark events of exceptional gravity; thus, its overuse could potentially lessen the impact of this solemn tribute.
Conclusion
The evolution of half-staff practices in Maryland reflects a broader societal shift toward inclusivity in honoring various forms of service and sacrifice. Balancing the desire to pay respect with the need to preserve the profound significance of flying the flag at half-staff remains an ongoing discussion among policymakers and the public.
