American flags across MS are at half-staff this week. Here’s why
American flags are flying at half-staff across Mississippi and the United States this week to honor the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, President Donald Trump and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced.
Graham, a South Carolina Republican, died suddenly on Saturday, July 11, according to a July 12 statement from the senator’s office.
“Mississippi is praying for the entire Graham family and for all of the people of South Carolina,” Gov. Tate Reeves said in a July 13 statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Here’s what to know about the half-staffed flags in Mississippi.
What caused Graham’s death?
Graham’s office announced in a statement that he died “from a brief and sudden illness.”
Preliminary medical examiner findings, reported later by The Hill and the Associate Press, showed Graham’s death was caused after a tear in his aorta due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” his office said.
Graham was 71 years old.
How long will flags in MS remain at half-staff?
American flags will remain at half-staff through July 18 at the request of the president, Reeves said in a July 13 statement.
Why do flags fly at half-staff in the US?
American flags can be ordered to fly at half-staff by the president, a state governor or the mayor of the District of Columbia, according to the U.S. General Services Administration. This symbolizes a period of mourning for the country.
An American flag at half-staff typically marks any of the following occasions, according to the U.S. General Services Administration:
- The death of a government official, military member or emergency first responder
- A national tragedy
- A national day of remembrance
