28-03-2025
Why are flags at half-staff in Texas? When they're raised again after Carole Keeton death
As you go about your day today, you may notice Texas flags flying at half-staff across the state.
Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the flags at half-staff for the memorial of former Comptroller of Texas.
Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset Friday, March 28, and should return to full-staff by sunrise Saturday.
Former Austin Mayor, Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton dies and longtime public servant, known for breaking barriers in state and local government. She made history as the first woman elected as both the mayor of Austin and the Texas state comptroller. Throughout her career, Strayhorn was known for her independent streak, bold leadership, and commitment to fiscal responsibility.
In addition to serving as Austin's mayor from 1977 to 1983, and then Railroad Commissioner from 1994 to 1999, she held office as Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts from 1999 to 2007.
She also ran as an independent candidate for governor in 2006, challenging then-Gov. Rick Perry. Strayhorn was the mother of former White House press secretary Scott McClellan and came from a family deeply involved in public service.
She died Wednesday at the age of 85.
"Texas has lost a longtime leader and dedicated public servant with the death of Carole Keeton," a release from the governor's office states. "As a mark of respect for her public service as school board president, state insurance commissioner, mayor, railroad commissioner, and comptroller, it is fitting that flags be lowered to half-staff in her honor."
There are specific holidays and events when flags are flown at half-staff in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website. That includes:
Memorial Day, when the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.
Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day.
Patriot Day.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
National Firefighters Memorial Day.
President Dwight Eisenhower also issued a proclamation on the proper times for flying the flag at half-staff when government officials die. That includes:
30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president.
10 days at half-staff after the death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, or the speaker of the House of Representatives.
From the date of death until interment for an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a member of the Cabinet, a former vice president, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the majority leader of the Senate, the minority leader of the Senate, the majority leader of the House of Representatives, or the minority leader of the House of Representatives.
The date of death and the following day of a United States senator, representative, territorial delegate, or the resident commissioner from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It should also be flown at half-staff on all federal facilities in the state, congressional district, territory, or commonwealth of these officials.
From the date of death until interment for the governor of a state, territory or possession.
The president may also order that the flag be flown at half-staff to commemorate the death of other officials, former officials or foreign dignitaries, in addition to tragic events. For instance, on Oct. 7, Abbott declared Monday a statewide Day of Observance for Israel in Texas and asked residents to hold a moment of silence for the people of Israel and the seven Americans who remained hostages.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Why are flags at half-staff in Texas? Honoring Carole Keeton Strayhorn
