Flags at Half-Mast in US States: A Tribute to Dick Cheney or a State-Level Decision?

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In a surprise move, many US states lowered their flags to half-staff on Tuesday, November 11, despite it being Veterans Day. This decision was taken to honor former Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away on November 3 at the age of 84. However, the reason behind this move is not a federal directive from President Joe Biden, but rather a state-level decision. The flags were initially lowered to half-staff at the White House on November 4, but the federal government did not issue a directive to lower flags nationwide. The decision to lower flags in some states, including Texas, Iowa, and New Jersey, is believed to be a result of Cheney's criticism of former President Donald Trump and his public endorsement of Kamala Harris in the 2024 US election. As a result, flags in some states remain lowered to half-staff, even though Veterans Day is a day of celebration and gratitude for all US military veterans. The flag is typically flown at full staff on this day to symbolize pride and patriotism. It's worth noting that flags in some states, such as New Jersey and Washington, will remain lowered until Cheney's funeral on November 20. Cheney's funeral will be held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on November 20, starting at 11 a.m. ET. The ceremony will honor the former vice president's long public service career and is expected to draw political leaders, family members, and close associates. While it's unclear whether the event will be a full state funeral or if Cheney will lie in state at the Capitol before the service, one thing is certain – the nation is still mourning the loss of a respected public figure.