Illinois Orders U.S. Flags Lowered to Honor Death of Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson

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State agencies across Illinois are flying flags at half-staff through February 28, 2026, following an order from Governor JB Pritzker honoring Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, an American Civil Rights Activist and politician who died on February 17 at the age of 84.

Why it matters

The Illinois Flag Display Act requires flags to be lowered to honor Illinois members of armed forces, police, fire service, and other covered groups who are killed in the line of duty. While the Act specifically outlines flag flying requirements for fallen service members and first responders, Illinois Governors can also issue proclamations to lower flags for individuals of statewide or national significance.

The details

According to a press release from the Illinois Department of Central Management, a formal notice has been received from Governor Pritzker that directs U.S. and state flags be lowered to half-staff through sunset on Saturday, February 28. The directive applies to all buildings occupied by state agency personnel.

• Flags will be flown at half-staff from February 20 through February 28, 2026.
• Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson passed away on February 17, 2026 at the age of 84.