Why Are Flags at Half-Staff in Michigan?
As you're out and about today and tomorrow, you may notice that flags around West Michigan are lowered to half-staff. But why?
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement Thursday ordering all U.S. and Michigan flags across the state be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, February 26, and Friday, February 27. Why? To "honor the life of the Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr."
Rev. Jackson died on February 17, 2026. The lowering of the flags coincides with his funeral.
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According to the release from Governor Whitmer, flags can and should return to full staff after sunset on Friday, February 27.
Speaking about Rev. Jackson's connection to the State of Michigan, Governor Whitmer said,
Rev. Jackson had a special connection to Michigan and especially the city of Detroit. He visited often, standing with labor, working with local leaders, and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. I was honored to meet and partner with him on our shared goals of investing in working people and ensuring every Michigander is treated with dignity and respect. As we heed Rev. Jackson’s tireless call to ‘Keep hope alive,’ let’s also continue to do the hard work of building a freer, fairer Michigan for all.
The Proper Way to Lower Your Flag to Half-Staff
Did you know that there's an actual protocol and ceremony for lowering a flag to half-staff? To do it properly, you must first quickly raise the flag to the top of the pole, hold it there for a moment, and then slowly lower it to half-staff. When it's time to lower the flag for the day, you must first, again, raise it to the top of the pole and then slowly lower it down to the bottom.
Michigan's License Plates From 1920 To Now
Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill
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