In a solemn tribute to the sacrifice and service of New Jersey State Police Trooper Marcellus E. Bethea, Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order directing all U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on Wednesday.

The gesture comes as the state mourns the loss of Bethea, who died during training on Sunday, May 5.

Why are flags at half-staff?

Murphy, reflecting on Bethea’s character and dedication, remarked, “Trooper Bethea embodied the core values of the New Jersey State Police: Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.” He continued, “We owe a debt of gratitude to our State Police troopers that bravely and selflessly serve the people of New Jersey each day.”

Bethea was undergoing training to become a member of the elite Technical Emergency and Mission Specialist Unit at the time of his death. He leaves behind his wife, Katarzyna, and their daughter, Bella. 

“Trooper Bethea’s tragic passing serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers in the line of duty,” Murphy stated. “This loss has been keenly felt across the state, and Tammy and I send our deepest condolences to Trooper Bethea’s family, friends, and his fellow troopers.”

Why are flags lowered?

As New Jersey prepares to honor Bethea’s memory, the lowering of flags to half-staff stands as a somber yet poignant tribute to his dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice. It serves as a visible symbol of mourning and respect for the individual being honored.

In maritime tradition, lowering a flag to half-mast signifies distress. This tradition has carried over into other contexts, such as during national emergencies or tragedies, when lowering the flag can symbolize a nation or community in distress or mourning.

The half-staff position

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the flag should be briskly run up to the top of the staff before being lowered slowly to the half-staff position. 

Although the flag does not have to be exactly in the middle of the staff or flagpole, it should, however, be lowered to at least the width of your flag. 

When are flags flown at half-staff?

Flag etiquette dictates that flags should be flown at half-staff for specific periods following the passing of certain dignitaries and officials. Here’s a breakdown of the protocol, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs:

1. President or former president: Flags should fly at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels in the United States and its territories.
2. Vice president, chief justice, speaker of the house: Flags should be lowered for 10 days after their passing.
3. Associate justice of the Supreme Court, cabinet member, former vice president, Senate president pro tempore, Senate majority/minority leaders, House majority/minority leaders: Flags should remain at half-staff from the day of death until interment.
4. United States senator, representative, territorial delegate, or resident commissioner from Puerto Rico: Flags should fly at half-staff in the Washington, D.C., area and in the official’s respective state, congressional district, territory, or commonwealth for one day after the death.
5. Governor of a state, territory, or possession: Flags should be lowered from the day of death until interment in the governor’s state, territory, or possession.
6. Other officials, former officials, or foreign dignitaries: The president has the authority to order flags to be flown at half-staff to honor their passing. Additionally, the president may order flags at half-staff after other tragic events.

Holidays to fly your flag at half-staff

• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
• National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec. 7)
• Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15)
• Patriot Day (Sept. 11)
• First Sunday of Fire Prevention Week (usually first Sunday in October)