Flags in Amherst - Flag Status Per Commonwealth Of Massachusetts

2023 Half staff notifications

March 13, 2023
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey has ordered that the United States of America Flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all buildings beginning immediately today, March 13, 2023, until sunset on March 17, 2023, the day of interment, in honor of the life and legacy of former Representative Anthony J. Verga Sr., who passed away on March 10, 2023. 

March 3, 2023
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag at all state buildings should remain at half-staff until sunset today, March 3, 2023 in honor of the life and legacy of former United States Congressman, John Walter Olver, who passed away on February 23, 2023. 

February 27, 2023
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey has ordered that the United States of America Flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately today, until sunset on the day of interment, in honor of the life and legacy of former United States Congressman from Massachusetts, John Walter Olver, who passed away on February 23, 2023.

February 8, 2023
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on all state buildings on Thursday, February 9, 2023, the day of interment, in honor of United States Navy Petty Officer Matthew Capeless, of Dracut, MA, who passed away on January 24, 2023.

January 31, 2023
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey has ordered that the United States of America Flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately today until sunset on January 31, 2023, the day of interment, in honor of the life and legacy of former Representative Alice K. Wolf, who passed away on January 26, 2023.

January 28, 2023
Please be advised that the date of interment for former Senate President Thomas F. Birmingham has been set for Saturday, January 28, 2023.  As such, Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag at all state buildings should remain at half-staff until sunset today, January 28, 2023.

January 23, 2023
Please be advised that as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on January 22, 2023, in Monterey Park, California, and in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation, Governor Maura T. Healey has ordered the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately today, January 23, 2023, until sunset on January 26, 2023.

January 22, 2023
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey has ordered that the United States of America Flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately, until sunset on the day of interment, in honor of the life and legacy of former Senate President, Thomas F. Birmingham, who passed away on January 20, 2023.

2022 HALF STAFF NOTIFICATIONS

December 1, 2022 - ADVANCE NOTICE: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Please be advised that in accordance with Public Law 103-308 and by proclamation of the President of the United States, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

November 29, 2022
Please be advised that in honor of United States Representative Donald McEachin of Virginia, who passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022, and in accordance with the United States Flag Code 4 USC 7 (m), Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset today, Tuesday, November 29, 2022.

November 15, 2022
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Monday, November 14, 2022, the day of interment, in honor of United States Army Sergeant First Class Jeremy Bushey, of Dalton, MA, who passed away on October 30, 2022. 

Sergeant First Class Bushey, US Army, Fort Bliss, Battery C, 3d Battalion, 43d ADA Regiment, Fort Bliss, TX, will be laid to rest at the Spring Grove Cemetery, Northampton, MA on this date.  

October 19, 2022: Advance Notice
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all buildings from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, October 22, 2022, the date of interment, in honor of U.S. Army Cpl. Joseph John Puopolo, United States Army, Korea, formerly of East Boston, Massachusetts.

Remains of Cpl. Puopolo; C Battery, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Artillery, 8th U.S. Army, (KIA, Prisoners of War), who died at age 19 on February 28, 1951 at Prisoner of War Camp #5, Korea, will be laid to rest at the Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden, MA on this day.

October 5, 2022: Advance Notice
Please be advised that in accordance with a Public Law 107-51 and a Presidential Proclamation issued on this day in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and to pay respect to the firefighters past and present who have lost their lives in the line of duty, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, October 9, 2022. 

October 4, 2022
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Wednesday, October 05, 2022 (tomorrow), the day of interment, in honor of Massachusetts State Senate Clerk (Retired), William Frederick "Billy" Welch, of Milford, Massachusetts, who passed away on October 1, 2022.  Clerk Welch will be laid to rest at the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Milford, MA on this date.

September 15, 2022 - UPDATE
Please be advised that the date of interment for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been set for Monday, September 19, 2022.  As such, and in accordance with the Presidential Proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flags at all state buildings should remain at half-staff until sunset, Monday, September 19, 2022, and return to full staff following that time.

September 9, 2022
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, the day of interment, in honor of United States Army Corporal Jake Walter Bryan, of Weymouth, MA who passed away on August 28, 2022.  

Corporal Bryan, US Army, 1st Infantry Division, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team-4th Cavalry-5th Squadron Comanche Troop, Fort Riley Kansas, will be laid to rest at the Fairmount Cemetery, Weymouth, MA on this date.

This observance shall be observed concurrent with the ongoing half-staff display of the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag as a mark of respect for the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who passed on Thursday, September 8, 2022. 

September 9, 2022
Please be advised that as a mark of respect for the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and in accordance with a Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately and continuing through the day of interment. 

September 7, 2022 - Advance Notification
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, in accordance with United States Public Law 107-89, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings on Sunday, September 11, 2022 in observance of Patriot Day, "in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and the Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the wars that followed."  The United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset.

August 4, 2022
Please be advised that as a sign of respect for the memory of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, of Indiana, who died tragically today, and in accordance with 4 USC 7(m), the United States flag code, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately and continuing until midnight, August 4, 2022.

Advanced Notice - July 19, 2022
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 (tomorrow), the day of interment, in honor of United States Marine Corps Sergeant Matthew P. Partyka, of Hingham, MA, who passed away on July 3, 2022.

Sergeant Matthew P. Partyka, United States Marine Corps, Camp Lejeune, NC will be laid to rest at the St. Paul's Cemetery, Hingham, MA on this date.

July 8, 2022
Please be advised that as a sign of respect for the memory of former Prime Minister of Japan Abe Shinzo, and in accordance with a Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately, and continuing until sunset on Sunday, July 10, 2022.

This half-staff order shall be observed concurrent with the existing half-staff observance on behalf of the victims of the senseless acts of gun violence in Highland Park, Illinois, with the half-staff order extended to include Sunday, July 10, 2022.  Additionally, as previously ordered in Massachusetts, the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag should remain at half-staff through Monday, July 11, 2022, in honor of Massachusetts Army National Guard Colonel Brett Patrick Conaway of Natick, MA.  

Therefore, in Massachusetts, the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag should not return to full staff until sunrise on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.

July 8, 2022
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Monday, July 11, 2022, the day of interment, in honor of Massachusetts Army National Guard Colonel Brett Patrick Conaway, of Natick, MA, who passed away on June 29, 2022. 

Colonel Conaway, Massachusetts Army National Guard, HHD Joint Forces Headquarters, will be laid to rest at the St. Patrick's Cemetery, Natick, MA on this date. 

July 6, 2022
Please be advised that as a sign of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of gun violence perpetrated on Independence Day, July 4, 2022, in Highland Park, Illinois, and in accordance with a Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately, and continuing until sunset on Saturday, July 9, 2022.

June 29, 2022 - Advance Notice
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, July 2, 2022, the day of interment, in honor of Somerville Police Officer and Massachusetts Army National Guard (MANG) Master Sergeant Randy Renaud Issacs, of Somerville, MA, who passed away on June 19, 2022 while on duty.

May 31, 2022 - Advanced Notice
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, at all state buildings on Friday, June 3rd, 2022, the day of interment in honor of Massachusetts Army National Guard Sergeant First Class William “Bill” Burdick, of Fall River, MA, who passed away on May 20, 2022.

SFC Burdick, Massachusetts Army National Guard/Company A, 3d Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, Joint Base Cape Cod, will be laid to rest at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts on this date.

May 26, 2022
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that on Monday, May 30th, 2022, in honor of Memorial Day, the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until noon and be displayed at full staff from noon until sunset.

May 24, 2022
Please be advised that as a sign of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated today, May 24, 2022, at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and in accordance with a Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings immediately, and continuing until sunset on Saturday, May 28, 2022.

May 12, 2022
Please be advised in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation and as a mark of respect and remembrance of the one million American lives lost to COVID-19, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag, be flown at half-staff beginning immediately and return to full staff at sunset on Monday, May 16, 2022.

May 11, 2022 - Advanced Notice
Please be advised that in accordance with the United States Public law 103-322, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, May 15th, 2022 in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

April 7, 2022 - Advanced Notice
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state building from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, April 9, 2022, the date of interment, in honor of SSG Charles McMackin, United States Army Air Forces, World War II Army Air Forces, 68th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 8th Air Force (KIA 08-01-1943) formerly of Revere, Massachusetts.  Remains of SSG McMackin, who was killed when the aircraft on which he was serving as a bombardier crashed as a result of enemy anti-aircraft fire during Operation TIDAL WAVE at Ploiesti, north of Bucharest, Romania, will be laid to rest at the Holyhood Cemetery, Chestnut Hill, MA on this day. 

April 1, 2022 - Advanced Notice
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning at sunrise on Saturday, April 2, 2022, through sunset on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, the day of interment, in honor of Captain Ross A. Reynolds, USMC, formerly of Leominster, MA who passed away north of Bodo, Norway during a NATO training exercise on Friday, March 18, 2022. 

Captain Reynolds, Marine Tiltrotor Squadron, 261, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Air Corps Station New River, NC, will be laid to rest at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, MA on 04-05-2022.

March 31, 2022
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Friday, April 1, 2022 (tomorrow), the day of interment, in honor of United States Navy Petty Officer Francis D. Joseph, formerly of Springfield, MA, who passed away on March 8, 2022, in Panama City, FL.

Petty Officer Joseph will be laid to rest at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, MA with U.S. Navy Honors being rendered on this date.

March 24, 2022
Please be advised that in honor of the life and legacy of former United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings immediately until sunset on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

UPDATE: March 7, 2022
Please be advised that the date of interment for Massachusetts State Police Trooper Tamar Bucci has been set for March 9, 2022. As such Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flags at all state buildings should remain at half-staff until sunset, Wednesday, March 9, 2022 and return to full staff following that time. 

March 4, 2022
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until further notice in honor of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Tamar Bucci who died tragically yesterday evening.  Updates regarding date of interment to follow.

Advance Notice - February 18, 2022
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, the day of interment, in honor of United States Army Specialist Huguens Pierre, of Worcester, MA, who passed away on February 5, 2022.

February 10, 2022
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of MaDone Editingssachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise to sunset tomorrow, Friday, February 11, 2022, the day of interment, in honor of the life and legacy of Former Massachusetts State Senator Bill Owens who passed away on January 22, 2022.

January 12, 2022
Please be advised that in honor of the life and legacy of United States Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, and in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, January 13, 2022 (tomorrow) the day of internment.

UPDATE: January 3, 2022
Please be advised in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag, previously lowered to half-staff in honor of the United States Senator Harry Reid of Nevada shall be returned to full staff at all state buildings beginning at sunset, today, Monday, January 3, 2022. 

December 29, 2021
Please be advised that in honor of the life and legacy of United States Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, and in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until the day of interment.  Update on the date of interment to follow.

December 9, 2021 - UPDATED
Please be advised in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has extended the order to lower the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag to half-staff at all state buildings in honor of the life and legacy of United States Senator Robert Dole. Flags should now remain at half-staff through midnight, Saturday, December 11, 2021.  

December 6, 2021
Please be advised that in honor of the life and legacy of United States Senator Robert Dole, and in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset Thursday, December 9, 2021.

December 2, 2021 - Advance Notice
Please be advised that in accordance with Public Law 103-308 and by proclamation of the President of the United States, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

October 26, 2021 - Advance Notice
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Thursday, October 28, 2021, the day of interment, in honor of United States Army Sergeant Major Jose Ayala, of Lawrence, MA, who passed away on July 8, 2021. 

Sergeant Major Ayala will be laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia on this date. 

October 18, 2021
Please be advised that in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code and a Presidential proclamation issued in honor of the life and legacy of former Secretary of State General Colin Powell, who passed away on this day, and as ordered by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset on Friday, October 22, 2021.

October 15, 2021
Please be advised that in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation issued on this day in honor of the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service being held in Washington, D.C. and to pay respect to law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty and their families, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset tomorrow, Saturday, October 16, 2021.

October 4, 2021
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings today, Monday, October 4, 2021, the day of interment, in honor of United States Army, Sergeant Patrick Ryan Maher, of Middleboro, MA, who passed away on September 21, 2021.

September 23, 2021
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, September 25, 2021, the day of interment, in honor of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Private Anthony Muñoz, of Lawrence, MA who passed away on September 7, 2021. Private Muñoz will be laid to rest at the Saint Mary - Immaculate Conception Cemetery, in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

September 16, 2021
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Friday, September 17, 2021, the date of interment, in honor of First Lieutenant Thomas Redgate, US Army, Battery A, 48th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division (KIA, Korea, 1950) of Brighton, Massachusetts. Remains of 1LT Redgate, who was killed during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, Korea, will be laid to rest at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, in Bourne, MA on this day.

September 9, 2021 - Advanced Notification AMDENDED on September 11, 2021
Please be advised that the dates for the half-staff display of the United States of America flag and the Massachusetts flag in honor of Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo USMC, of Lawrence, Massachusetts include Sunday, September 12, 2021 and Monday, September 13, 2021.  

Therefore the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag should remain at half staff throughout the weekend and continue until Wednesday morning, September 15, 2021. 

September 7, 2021 - Advanced Notification
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, in accordance with United States Public Law 107-89, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings on Saturday, September 11, 2021 in observance of Patriot Day, "in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and the Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the wars that followed."  The United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset.

August 27, 2021
Please be advised that in honor and remembrance of the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated today in Kabul, Afghanistan resulting in the tragic death of members of the United States military, and in accordance with the Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state building beginning immediately until sunset on Monday, August 30, 2021.

July 30, 2021
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, July 31, 2021 (tomorrow), the day of interment, in honor of Massachusetts Army National Guard (MANG) Private First Class Carlos Soto-Mendez, of Dorchester, MA, who passed away on July 24, 2021.  Funeral Services for MANG Private First Class Soto-Mendez will take place at Saint Michael Cemetery in Roslindale, MA.

July 13, 2021
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 (tomorrow), the day of interment, in honor of Staff Sergeant Jordan Phillip Snow, Vermont Army National Guard, of Norton, MA, who passed away on 7-01-2021.

July 9, 2021 Advance Notice:
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, the day of funeral services, in honor of Sergeant MacDouglas J. Deegan, United States Army, of Quincy, MA, who passed away on 6-29-2021.

Advance Noted: June 23, 2021
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Friday, June 25, 2021, the day of interment, in honor of Specialist Joshua Diamond, United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division, of Plymouth, MA, who passed away on 6-11-2021 at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

Advance Notice: June 17, 2021
Please be advised that in honor and remembrance of Braintree Police K9 Officer Kitt, who died in the line of duty on Friday, June 4, 2021, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, the day of memorial service.

June 8, 2021
Please be advised that the date of interment for Worcester Police Officer Emmanuel Familia has been set for Thursday, June 10, 2021. As such, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag at all state buildings should remain at half-staff until sunset, Thursday, June 10, 2021, and return to full staff following that time. Additional details regarding half-staff honors for Braintree K9 Officer Kitt will be distributed at a later date.

June 4, 2021
Please be advised that in honor and remembrance of the Massachusetts first responders lost on this day, Friday, June 4, 2021, including Worcester Police Officer Emmanuel "Manny" Familia, and Braintree Police K9 Kitt, who each died in the line of duty this afternoon, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until further notice. 

May 26, 2021
Please be advised that in honor and remembrance of the victims of the tragedy today, May 26, 2021, in San Jose, California, and in accordance with the Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset on Sunday, May 30, 2021.

May 25, 2021
Advance Notice - Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that on Monday, May 31, 2021 the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until noon and be displayed at full staff from noon until sunset in honor of Memorial Day.

May 15, 2021
Please be advised that in accordance with an updated presidential proclamation of May 14, 2021, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag remain at full staff on Saturday, May 15, 2021 in honor of Armed Forces Day.

This directive shall supersede the prior directive in regard to National Peace Officers memorial Day, also May 15, 2021.

May 10, 2021
Please be advised that in accordance with United States Public law 103-322, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, May 15, 2021 in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

April 20, 2021
Please be advised that in honor and remembrance of former United States Vice President Walter Frederick Mondale, and in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all State buildings beginning immediately until the day of interment. Updates on date of interment to follow. [Please note this will extend the current half-staff order set to expire at sunset on Tuesday, April 20th]

April 16, 2021
Please be advised that in honor and remembrance of the victims of the tragedy in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 15, 2021, and in accordance with the Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. 

April 13, 2021
Please be advised that Massachusetts, Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the CDone Editingommonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 in honor and remembrance of United States Capitol Police Officer William Evans, a native of North Adams, Massachusetts, who will lie in honor in the U. S. Capitol Rotunda on this day.  

April 6, 2021
Please be advised that in honor and remembrance of United States Congressman Alcee Hastings, of Florida, and in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset, tomorrow, Wednesday, April 7, 2021.

April 3, 2021
Please be advised that as a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of the victims of the attack at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. on April 2, 2021, and in accordance with the Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state building beginning immediately until sunset on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

March 23, 2021
Please be advised that as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 22, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado, and in accordance with the Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset on Saturday, March 27, 2021. 

March 18, 2021
Please be advised that as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 16, 2021 in the Atlanta Metropolitan area, and in accordance with the Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset on Monday, March 22, 2021.

February 22, 2021
Please be advised that in respect for and memory of the more than 500,000 Americans lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in accordance with the Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset on Friday, February 26, 2021.

February 4, 2021
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Friday, February 5, 2021 the day of interment, in honor of Massachusetts Air National Guard (MANG) Sergeant Christopher Murdock Delano, of Middleboro, MA, who passed away on January 29, 2021. 

 Funeral Services for USANG Sergeant Delano Will take place at the Bourne National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.

January 22, 2021
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Monday, January 25th, the day of interment, in honor of Staff Sergeant James Lynch Wento, US Army, a native of Lynn, Massachusetts who passed away on January 5, 2021 in South Korea.

January 10, 2021
Please be advised that as a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of the United States Capitol Police Officers Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood and all Capitol Police Officers and law enforcement across this great Nation, and in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

2020 Half Staff Notifications

December 2, 2020
ADVANCE NOTICE: Please be advised that in accordance with Public Law 103-308 and by proclamation of the President of the United States, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings on Monday, December 7, 2020 in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. 

November 30, 2020
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, the day of funeral service, in honor of Staff Sergeant Mark Anthony Johnson, US Army of Agawam, Massachusetts, who passed away on November 14, 2020 in Fort Hood, Texas. Funeral Services for U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Mark Johnson will take place at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA.

November 18, 2020
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Thursday, November 19 [tomorrow], the day of interment, in honor of Warrant Officer 2 Marwan Sameh Ghabour, US Army, a native of Arlington, Massachusetts, who passed away on November 12, 2020 in Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. Warrant Officer Ghabour will be laid to rest at the Cedar Knoll Cemetery in East Taunton, Massachusetts.

November 13, 2020
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, November 14, 2020 [tomorrow], the day of interment, in honor of USMC First Lieutenant Mark N. Brunelle of Oakham, Massachusetts, who passed away on October 31, 2020.  Lieutenant Brunelle will be laid to rest at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Oakham, MA.

October 30, 2020
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, October 31, 2020, the day of interment, in honor of U.S. Army Specialist Fallon M. Boyle of Lowell, Massachusetts. Specialist Boyle passed away on October 27, 2020.

October 1, 2020
Please be advised that in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and in accordance with U.S. Public law 107-51, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state building on Sunday, October 4, 2020 from sunrise until sunset. 

September 29, 2020
Please be advised that interment for Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2020.

As such, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag at all state buildings should be returned to full staff at sunset tomorrow, September 29, 2020.  

September 18, 2020
Please be advised that in accordance with the Presidential proclamation issued to honor Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away on September 18, 2020, and as ordered by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset on the day of interment. NOTE: This half-staff order supersedes the prior instruction relative to Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Gants. The United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag should remain at half-staff until further notice.

September 14, 2020
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff beginning immediately until further notice, as a mark of solemn respect for the memory of Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants, who passed today, September 14, 2020.

September 11, 2020
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, in accordance with United States Public Law 107-89, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings on Friday, September 11, 2020 in observance of Patriot Day, “in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and the Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the wars that followed.” The United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset.

September 7, 2020
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, the day of interment, in honor of U.S. Navy Petty Officer Jake Williams of Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Petty Officer Williams will be laid to rest at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, Massachusetts.

September 5, 2020
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, September 5, 2020, the day of interment, in honor of U.S. Army Sergeant Elder Fernandes, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, a native of Brockton, Massachusetts, who passed this past August.

Sergeant Fernandes will be laid to rest at Melrose Cemetery in Brockton, Massachusetts.    

September 4, 2020
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Friday, September 4,2020, in coordination with the funeral services and in honor of SGT Brandon Wieland, of Holliston, MA who passes on August 24, 2020.  

May 25, 2020
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that on Monday, May 25, 2020 the United States of America flag and Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until noon and be displayed at full-staff from noon until sunset in honor of Memorial Day.

May 12, 2020
Please be advised that in accordance with United States Public law 103-322, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Friday, May 15th, 2020 in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day.  

April 2, 2020
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff immediately until sunset on Sunday, April 5, 2020 at all state buildings and facilities, and hereby authorizes the same at all municipal and town properties and private institutions, as a mark of solemn respect and in honor of the United States Armed Forces Military Veterans and residents of the Massachusetts Soldier’s Home - Holyoke who died this past week in Holyoke, Massachusetts.   

March 20, 2020
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, March 21, 2020, the day of interment, in honor of US Army Private First Class Justin Candido Kirby of New Bedford, MA, who passed away on March 9, 2020 at the Fort Irwin National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California. Private First Class Kirby will be laid to rest at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Bedford, MA.

2019 Half Staff Notifications

December 9, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, the day of interment, in honor of Master Chief Petty Officer Kenneth MacDonald, Jr., United States Navy of Wilmington, Massachusetts, who died on November 24, 2019, in Hampton, VA.  Master Chief Petty Officer MacDonald, Jr. will be laid to rest a Wild Wood Cemetery, Wilmington, Massachusetts. 

December 3, 2019 - Advance Notice
Please be advised that in accordance with Public Law 103-308 and by proclamation of the President of the United States, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings on Saturday, December 7, 2019 in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

November 15, 2019 - Update
Update: Please be advised that the date of interment for Firefighter Lieutenant Jason Menard of the Worcester Fire Department, who died in the line of duty on 11-13-2019, has been set for Monday, November 18, 2019. 

As such, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flags at all state buildings should remain at half-staff until sunset, Monday, November 18, 2019. 

November 13, 2019
Please be advised that as a mark of solemn respect for Firefighter Lieutenant Jason Menard of the Worcester Fire Department, who died tragically this morning, Wednesday, November 13, 2019, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately, until further notice.

November 7, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, November 9, 2019, the date of interment, in honor of 1LT Joseph Finneran, USAAC, (KIA, Ploesti, Romania, 1943) of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts and native of Needham, Massachusetts.

Remains of 1LT Finneran, who was killed on August 1, 1943 when serving as crewmember to the B-24 bomber "Ole Baldy" that was shot down that day during Operation Tidal Wave, will be laid to rest at the Mount Benedict Cemetery, 409 Corey Street, Boston, MA on this day.    

October 3, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings on Sunday, October 6, 2019 from sunrise until sunset in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and in accordance with U.S. Public Law 107-51.

October 3, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, October 5, 2019, the day of internment, in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Eric Hill, United States Army Reserve, of Boston, Massachusetts, who died on September 14, 2019 in Suitland, Maryland. Lieutenant Colonel Hill will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery in Boston, Massachusetts.

September 5, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, in accordance with United States Public Law 107-89, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 in observance of Patriot Day, in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2011 and the Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the wars that followed.  The United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset.  

August 30, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Tuesday, September 3, 2019, the day of interment, in honor of Master Sergeant Luis S. DeLeon-Figueroa, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, who was Killed In Action in Faryab Province, Afghanistan on August 21, 2019.  Master Sergeant DeLeon-Figueroa will be laid to rest at the State Veterans Cemetery in Agawam, Massachusetts.

August 4, 2019
Please be advised that in accordance with the Presidential proclamation issued as a mark of respect honoring the victims of the tragedies in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio and as ordered by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset on Thursday, August 8, 2019. 

July 22, 2019 UPDATE (original post - July 17, 2019)
Please be advised that in accordance with the Presidential proclamation issued as a mark of respect for the memory of retired Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court John Paul Stevens, who passed away on July 16, 2019, and as ordered by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset on the day of interment, Tuesday, July 23, 2019. 

July 19, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, July 20, 2019, the day of interment, in honor of Technical Sergeant Alfred R. Sandini, United States Army Airforce, of Marlborough, Massachusetts, who died on February 15, 1944 in Thanh Hoa Province, French Indochina.  Sergeant Sandini will be laid to rest in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Marlborough, Massachusetts. 

June 26, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, June 29, 2019, the day of interment, in honor of Private First Class Research Delva, United States Army, Fort Carson, CO, of Lynn, Massachusetts, who died on June 8, 2019.  Private First Class Delva will be laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn, Massachusetts.

June 19, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, June 22, 2019, the day of interment, in honor of Sergeant George R. Schipani, United States Army, who died on March 31, 1951 at Prisoner of War Camp 5, Pyoktong, North Korea.

Sergeant Schipani will be laid to rest in Somerville Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Somerville, Massachusetts.

June 3, 2019
Please be advised that as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the tragic act of violence at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia on May 31, 2019, and in accordance with a Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset, Tuesday, June 4, 2019. 

May 27, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that on Monday, May 27th, 2019 the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until noon and be displayed at full staff from noon until sunset in honor of Memorial Day.

Additionally, on this same day, please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until noon, in honor of Hospital Corpsman Meaghan Burns, US Navy, of South Deerfield, MA who died on May 4, 2019 in Portsmouth, Virginia.

May 14, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, the day of interment, in honor of Sergeant First Class John A. McCarthy, U.S. Army National Guard, Rhode Island, of Norwood, Massachusetts, who died on May 5, 2019.  

May 13, 2019
Please be advised that in accordance with United States Public law 103-322, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Wednesday, May 15th, 2019 in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

April 18, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, April 20, 2019, the day of internment, in honor of Private First Class Zacharay Arsenault, United States Army, of Leominster, Massachusetts, who died on April 1, 2019 at Fort Irwin, California.  

April 16, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Thursday, April 18, 2019 in honor of Sergeant Rachel R. McKay, United States Army, of Marblehead, Massachusetts, who died on April 8, 2019 at Fort Gordon, Georgia. 

February 8, 2019
Please be advised that as a mark of respect for the memory of United States Representative John David Dingell, Jr., of Michigan and in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset, Saturday, February 9, 2019. 

January 9, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Friday, January 11, 2019, the day of interment, in honor of Sergeant First Class Eric Emond, a native of Fall River, Massachusetts, who was killed in Afghanistan on November 27, 2018.  SFC Emond will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

January 2, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Friday, January 4, 2019, the day of interment, in honor of 1st Lieutenant Allan Turner -- reported missing on July 17, 1945 and officially presumed dead on July 18, 1946, from the vicinity of Bishmaknagar Village, State of Arunachal Pradesh, Republic of India.  Lieutenant Turner will be laid to rest in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, MA.

2018 Half Staff Notifications

December 10, 2018
Please be advised that as a mark of solemn respect for Firefighter Christopher Roy of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts and member of the Worcester Fire Department, who died tragically on Sunday, December 9, 2018, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately. 

This observance shall be concurrent with the ongoing half-staff display of the United States of America flag and Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag as a mark of respect for the former President George H.W. Bush who passed on Friday, November 30, 2018.

December 1, 2018
Please be advised that as a mark of respect for the memory of former President George H.W. Bush who passed on Friday, November 30, 2018, and in accordance with U.S. Flag Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 7 (m), Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state building beginning immediately.  Updates to follow. 

November 8, 2018
Please be advised that as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated in Thousand Oaks, California, on November 7, 2018, and in accordance with a Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset, November 10, 2018.  

This order shall be observed prior to and concurrent with the existing Commonwealth of Massachusetts half-staff notification issued in honor of Staff Sergeant John L. Mersky, U.S. Army, of Osterville, Massachusetts for Saturday, November 10, 2018.

Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Common wealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, November 10, 2018, the day of interment, in honor of Staff Sergeant John L. Mersky, U.S. Army, of Osterville, MA who died on October 27, 2018.  

October 29, 2018
Please be advised that as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated yesterday at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and in accordance with a Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States of America Flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset, Wednesday, October 31, 2018.   

October 27, 2018
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, October 27, 2018, the day of interment, in honor of Chief Warrant Officer John Sawyer Moore, U.S. Army, of Hopedale, MA who died on October 18, 2018.

October 7, 2018
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings on Sunday, October 7, 2018 from sunrise until sunset in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and in accordance with U.S. Public law 107-51.   

September 6, 2018
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half- staff at all state buildings on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and the Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the wars that followed.  The United States flag and the Commonwealth flag shall be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset.

August 29, 2018
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Friday, August 31, 2018, the day of interment, in honor of Chief Warrant Officer 3, Scott R. Landis, MAARNG of Hanson, Massachusetts, who passed away on Friday, August 24, 2018.

This order shall be observed concurrent with the existing Commonwealth of Massachusetts half-staff order in honor of United States Senator John McCain.

Update: Please be advised that the date of interment for U.S. Senator John McCain has been set for Sunday, September 2, 2018.  As such Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flags at all state buildings should remain at half-staff until sunset, Sunday, September 2, 2018.

These gubernatorial orders apply to:

1. The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls.

2. Other state-owned or state-controlled buildings.

3. All state military installations.

August 27, 2018 
Please be advised that as a mark of solemn respect for, and in honor of, United States Senator John McCain who passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2018 and in accordance with a Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until further notice.

August 2, 2018
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Thursday, August 2, 2018, the day of interment, in honor of Technical Sergeant John F. Brady.  Sergeant Brady was killed in action on November 2, 1944 when his B-17 was shot down by German fighter pilots over Merseburg, Germany.  T/SGT Brady will be laid to rest in Saint Francis Old Cemetery in Taunton, Massachusetts.  

July 18, 2018
Please be advised that the date of internment for Officer Michael Chesna of the Weymouth Police Department has been set for Friday, July 20, 2018. As such Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flags at all state buildings should remain at half-staff until sunset, Friday, July 20, 2018.

July 16, 2018
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately, until further notice, in honor of Officer Michael Chesna of the Weymouth Police Department who tragically died in the line of duty on Sunday, July 15, 2018.

July 3, 2018
Please be advised that as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on June 28, 2018, at the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland, and in accordance with a Presidential proclamation issued on July 3, 2018, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset, today Tuesday, July 3, 2018.

June 28, 2018
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Thursday, June 28, 2018, the day of interment, in honor of Major General (Retired) George W. Keefe, 39th Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard and resident of Holliston, Massachusetts who passed away on June 21, 2018.  

June 22, 2018
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Friday, June 22, 2018, the day of interment, in  honor of Private First Class John William MacDonald, USMC, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division.  

PFC Williams, a native of Somerville, MA, participated in the invasion of Tarawa Atoll and was killed in Action during the assault on Beach Red 3 on 20 November 1943.  His remains have been identified and are returning home to be laid to rest at the Bourne National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts.