Oregon, USA — Oregon’s flags will stay at half-staff through January 28 to honor the late President Jimmy Carter, according to Governor Tina Kotek’s office.
The decision aligns with President Joe Biden’s proclamation, which called for 30 days of mourning.
The U.S. flag code allows states the flexibility to determine how they handle flag-lowering protocols.
While some states have raised their flags for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, Oregon is one of many opting to keep flags at half-staff.
“According to the current Presidential Proclamation, the flags will remain at half-staff until January 28,” the governor’s office stated in an email on Friday.
On Dec. 29, Biden’s proclamation extended the period of half-staff flags across federal properties, including government buildings, military installations, and national parks, as a mark of respect for Carter. However, this proclamation does not mandate states to follow suit.
The issue has sparked debates nationwide. As of Friday, 21 states, including Washington, announced plans to raise flags to full staff for the inauguration.
However, Oregon and several other states chose to continue honoring Carter’s mourning period.
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that flags at the U.S. Capitol would be raised temporarily during the inauguration ceremony and then lowered again to honor Carter.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that President Biden had no plans to adjust the proclamation for the inauguration.
This isn’t the first time flag protocols have caused controversy. When former President Harry S. Truman passed away in 1973, flags flew at half-staff during Richard Nixon’s second inauguration.
Similarly, in 2018, after Senator John McCain’s death, flag-lowering decisions at the White House led to bipartisan criticism.
As the nation navigates these complex moments of tribute and transition, Oregon’s stance reflects its commitment to honoring a former president’s legacy, even during a significant political event.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
