Flags Lowered for Lindsey Graham: What the Mourning Period Looks Like

When a prominent public figure passes, the nation’s flags dip, a silent salute that stretches across the country. That’s exactly what’s happening now for South Carolina’s senior senator, Lindsey Graham. A presidential proclamation was issued earlier this week, directing all United States and state flags to fly at half‑staff.

So, how long will the drab ribbon of black cling to the stars and stripes? The order specifies three full days: beginning at sunrise on Saturday, August 11, and ending at sunset on Monday, August 13. In addition, flags will be lowered again on Friday, August 31, which is the day of Graham’s official funeral service held in his home state.

It sounds straightforward, but the timing follows a long‑standing set of customs. When a sitting member of Congress dies, the President typically orders a three‑day period of half‑staff nationwide, a practice that dates back to the 1940s. The extra day on the funeral date is a nod to local tradition—allowing the community directly affected to observe a more personal moment of respect.

What does this mean for the average American? If you see a flag on a government building, a school, or even a private residence lowered, it’s a signal that the country is collectively pausing to remember Senator Graham’s service. The flag should be raised back to full‑staff only after the designated sunset on the last day, unless another proclamation extends the period.

And just so you’re not left guessing, there’s a simple rule of thumb: if the flag is at half‑staff on any federal property, it’s almost certainly because of the presidential order. State and local governments often follow suit, especially when the honoree hails from that particular state, as is the case with South Carolina.

In short, expect to see the United States flag lowered from the morning of August 11 through the evening of August 13, and then again on the evening of August 31. It’s a brief, yet poignant, visual reminder of the respect owed to a public servant whose career spanned decades.