Why Are the Flags at Half Mast Today Maryland?

Today may be a somber day in Maryland as flags all across the state fly at half mast. At times like this, we often look to answer the question “Why are the flags lowered?” and today is certainly no different.

Flags fly at half mast out of respect for and to commemorate those who have recently passed away;the most common reason being to honor those in the military who lost their lives in service. Particularly in Maryland, state flags at half mast is also a tradition used to memorialize government officials or celebrities who recently died and was very active within the Maryland community.

In such cases as today, Governor Larry Hogan issued an executive order lowering all non-federal flags flown on public buildings for two days as a show of respect for a former United States Senate Sergeant Major Bill Pickle – who has a long history of service with the senate and marine corps. This man served more than 45 years of faithful service, joining his beloved United States Navy right out of high school and volunteering his services even longer after his retirement almost thirty years ago! His selfless dedication to our country will surely not be forgotten and so we must take this time to remember and pay tribute to him through lowering our esteemed state flag.

We thank you Bill Pickle for your timeless devotion which will never be forgotten nor taken for granted by our great nation! A reminder that today, let us remember not only Bill but all those who have bravely served so that we might enjoy freedom here today.

The American flag is a powerful symbol, surfacing in moments of patriotism, remembrance, and mourning. Lately in Maryland, flags are seen flying at half mast as a sign of mourning for the countless individuals who have lost their lives due to COVID-19.

Called “Half Mast” or “Half Staff” the expanse of lowered flags is a gesture made after proclamations by federal and state officials. In this case, it was Gov. Larry Hogan who issued the order for Maryland to lower its flags on May 2nd of 2020 as an act of respect for those who have passed away from this pandemic.

But it wasn’t just a signal from our leaders--it created an opportunity for citizens to show their appreciation too. People all around our community joined in to fly flags which brought the issue closer to home. Amplifying loss together shines light into areas where suffering can never fully be understood or expressed but still shared through actions like these that honor victims and their families alike.

Flags flying a half-mast remind us all to pay tribute while intensifying our focus on getting through tough times together by providing hope through strength and protection with such unspoken support felt across neighborhoods near and far alike amidst Maryland's current difficult times.

Today (April 14th, 2021), Maryland is lowering the state flag in honor of Prince Philip’s death. Prince Philip was the longest serving royal consort in British history and the husband of Queen Elizabeth II. He passed away on April 9th, 2021 at the age of 99.

As a gesture of respect and mourning, Maryland has lowered its state flag to fly at half-staff for 30 days. This marks an unprecedented event for not only our country but for all countries worldwide as Prince Philip was a member of one of the most influential families in modern history. It is also an event that is not unique to Maryland as other states across the nation have done similar honors for Prince Phillip’s passing.

But why specifically is Maryland lowering its state flag? A huge part of it is due to loyalty toward Queen Elizabeth II, who holds great importance in Maryland due to her many visits to our state throughout her reign since 1934. In fact, Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth visited Annapolis back in 1957 – something members of Maryland's political parties would like their constituents to remember on this day and honor through such a symbolic gesture as lowering the flag half-staff.

Prince Feodor Alexandrovich, who was descendant from Tsarist Russia times and held a high rank during World War I while being related with Royal families around Europe, had till his death close ties with HIS Majesty King George VI (grandfather Her Majesty The queen). On top of that he also commanded his own curtsey for many years after WWI ending up living part time in Rosevelt Center - now called Annapolis by invitation from governor Preston Lane Jr., guided by congressman General Tydings (March 3rd 1937 - February 10th 1945). Considering all this there’s no surprise we’ll see our flags lower this week honoring his death and if it provides us with any comfort remembering both The Duke & Duchess time in Annapolis back when getting much recognition from general public surely will warm some hearts today!

The United States Flag Code outlines the rules and procedures for how a flag should be displayed. According to the section of the flag code that deals with half-masting, flags in Maryland are to be lowered to half-mast position “on the death of a present or former official of the state”, and remain at half-mast until sunset on the day of interment. In addition, flags in Maryland may also be placed at half-staff according to a proclamation issued by the governor or president.

The state has shown its respect for those who have made great sacrifices when it comes to flying flags at half-staff in mourning and remembrance. Most recently, following an executive order from Governor Larry Hogan that all United States and Maryland flags would remain lowered through July 3rd of this year in honor of U.S. Army Sgt Arthur Morant Jr., who was killed in action while serving with US forces in Afghanistan, Governor Hogan again ordered all US flags flown at Half Staff throughout Maryland on July 1st 2021 for Independence Day as well as June 25th 2021 for those serving within helping professions such as Firefighters, Police Officers and Medical Professionals killed since COVID began.

Typically speaking however, if a flag is flown at half mast due to a state issued proclamation or executive order any events such as natural disasters will typically cause them to remain lowered until either rescinded or sunset although there has been no concrete outline thus far beyond Governors Guidelines which suggest they stay up once specified times are hit even if no rescinding document has been released yet. This means that any states which had been impacted by said events must adhere to policies already outlined by executive orders advertised by their respective governor's offices or directives pending open authorities outlined therein before they can contemplate taking their flagpole off this aesthetic while their people continue recovering from whatever event had previously taken place so they may celebrate national holidays with honor still intact.

The Maryland flag is a powerful symbol of the state’s proud history and rich cultural heritage. It is also one of the few flags whose presence is officially recognized through laws requiring it to be flown at many state-owned or managed locations. Most individuals recognize that when flags are flown at half-staff, they signify a period of mourning in response to an event or tragedy. However, there are certain specific events that require that Maryland flags be lowered to half-staff in accordance with Maryland law.

In the State of Maryland, certain events trigger a mandatory lowering of all U.S., State, local government, and military flags to half staff as prescribed by Governor Larry Hogan. These mandatory occasions include Memorial Day; Peace Officer's Memorial Day; Patriots' Day (Massachusetts); Patriot Day (New York City); Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day; September 11th Remembrance Day; Poppy Days; Sendoff/Welcome Home Events for Troops on Deployment or Redeployment in the War on Terror; the passing away of senior members of Congress from Maryland currently serving terms in office who were veteran and active duty service members occur on their respective offices holidays designated by Congress and prescribed public holidays as set forth in 21 U.S Code 7(j).

Moreover, according to Md code 8-308 (199 Hyw.) under special requirements, flags shall also be lowered to honour a deceased individual who was either a prominent citizen or an elected official within the State until burial - typically three days following their passing - or upon formal nationally recognized recognition after death occasions following high profile civil servants such as President Ford in 2007, President Reagan 1981 and President Kennedy 1963, then will resume flying high once again upon return after interment services have been completed..

In summary, Maryland Flags fly high for most days but certain circumstances such as holidays determined by U.S code 1 – 10 follow strict guidelines which legally require them to be lowered to half staff. Whenever this occurs it’s always important for citizens to show their respects by lowering their own flags times accordingly whenever mandated changes take placefor special commemorative periods like Memorial day honoring fallen armed forces veterans. Understanding when it requires respecting these solemn rites, gives all residents reassured sense we are recognizing these worthy freedoms not often taken for granted.

The Maryland state flag is a powerful symbol of unity and pride shared by Marylanders everywhere. Giving honor and respect to the flag -- even in moments of tragedy -- can be an important part of how communities come together to mourn and ultimately heal. When it comes to properly honoring the lowering of the Maryland flag when it is placed at half-mast, there are a few guidelines that should be followed.

First, it’s necessary to make a solemn commitment to pause, reflect and appreciate its symbolization. It should also be made clear that this signal is used only in moments of tragedy or mourning when honoring persons who have died in service to their state or country or by paying respect for significant events of sorrow. All activity around the flag should stop during these times — out of respect for our fellow citizens who may have lost their lives for our benefit — until given an appropriate order from authorities to resume activity with caution.

Second, all flags – including state flags – must be lowered during these times following proper protocol according to the government regulations as outlined in Code § 8–602 entitled "Flag To Be Lowered". A few details that must be adhered to include flying flags at half staff from sunrise until sunset on designated dates such as Memorial Day; ensuring that only one United States flag is flown at any given time; adding black streamers when more than one state member dies; and raising all flags back up after the sun sets on designated days following protocol as well know their rightful position®

Finally, no matter what type of ceremony may accompany a lowering of the Maryland Flag -- including but not limited too: funerals, observances, processions -- all associated activities must remain respectful throughout so that we give proper honor and tribute where due. The lowering and raising process itself should follow official government regulations precisely as described herein -- never forgeting just what it stands for: freedom justice equality and love across age race religion gender and background without fail!