Iowa
Why are flags at half-staff? Iowa flags lowered for second day in a row
Why do U.S. and state flags fly at half-staff?
Learn more about why the U.S. and state flags fly at half-staff.
For the second day in a row, flags around Iowa will remain at half-staff.
All flags at the State Capitol Building as well as flags on public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the staff will be at half-staff.
Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered flags be lowered Friday and Saturday but for different reasons. Flags across Iowa were lowered to honor the passing of former Iowa State Senate President Jack Kibbie. So why are flags lowered for Saturday as well?
Why are flags at half-staff today in Iowa?
Flags in Iowa will remain at half-staff Saturday to honor Evan “Curly” Hultman who died in February at age 99. Hultman was elected to attorney general in 1960.
He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was awarded the Army’s Distinguished Medal in 1984. Hultman was awarded the U.S. Secretary of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medal in 1994, according to a news release from Reynold’s office.
“Curly was an extraordinary Iowan and a highly decorated World War II veteran who dedicated himself to serving our country as a soldier and serving our state as a public servant,” Reynolds said in the news release. “After a long career in law, Curly supported his fellow war veterans by raising funds for numerous veteran programs and causes. Curly was a great man who will be missed dearly. Kevin and I are keeping his family in our thoughts and prayers.”
What’s the difference between half-mast and half-staff for flags?
Half-mast is used when the flag is flown from a flagpole, typically referring to a ship mast or similar structures, according to Federal Flags. Half-mast means the flag is flown two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the flagstaff.
Half-staff is the term used for flags on land, particularly in the United States. Half-staff describes a flag that is raised halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole.
When the American flag is flown at half-staff, it conveys a message of respect and mourning. Federal Flags says this custom is most often observed following the death of a government official, military personnel or in response to a national tragedy.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.