Flags Ordered to Fly at Half-Staff in Eight States This Week

Governors issue orders to honor civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and other public figures

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Governors in eight states have ordered flags to fly at half-staff this week to honor civil rights leader the Reverend Jesse Jackson, a fallen North Carolina state trooper, and two longtime lawmakers in Indiana and Virginia. The orders mark statewide periods of remembrance and public recognition for people who served in notable positions.

Why it matters

The half-staff flag orders are a symbolic gesture of respect and mourning for public figures who have made significant contributions to their states and the nation. These orders help raise awareness of the legacies of these individuals and encourage the public to reflect on their service and impact.

The details

The flag orders include:- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker directing flags to half-staff until sunset on March 7 to honor Jesse Jackson. - North Carolina Governor Josh Stein ordering flags at half-staff through March 7 to honor Jackson and fallen Trooper Stien Davis Jr. - Indiana Governor Mike Braun ordering flags at half-staff until the day of interment for former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton. - Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger ordering Virginia flags at the State Capitol to half-staff to honor Delegate Barry Knight. - Several other governors, including in Colorado, Connecticut, and Kentucky, also ordering flags lowered to honor Jesse Jackson.

  • Flags will remain at half-staff in Illinois until sunset on Saturday, March 7.
  • Flags will remain at half-staff in North Carolina through sunset on Saturday, March 7.
  • Flags in Indiana will remain at half-staff until the day of interment for former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton.
  • Virginia flags at the State Capitol were ordered to half-staff immediately through interment to honor Delegate Barry Knight.
  • Flags in Colorado, Connecticut, and Kentucky will be lowered on Saturday, March 7 to honor Jesse Jackson.

The players

Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader who had a prolific career working to change the country for the better.

Stien Davis Jr.

A North Carolina State Highway Patrol Master Trooper who died in the line of duty in February.

Lee Hamilton

A former U.S. Representative who served Indiana's 9th Congressional District from 1965 to 1999.

Barry Knight

A Virginia Delegate who passed away on February 19.

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What they’re saying

“My heart goes out to his family, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and the entire law enforcement community mourning the loss of a son, a father, a friend, and a colleague. Trooper Davis had served with the Highway Patrol for a decade. He loved his job, and, more than that, he loved his family. May his memory be a blessing.”

— Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina (newsweek.com)

“Civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson found a home at North Carolina A&T, where he launched his prolific career working to change this country for the better. To honor his life, let us continue his work for justice and equality. May his memory be a blessing.”

— Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina (newsweek.com)

“Indiana mourns the passing of Lee Hamilton, a man whose life embodied integrity, civility, and public service. We extend our prayers to his family and honor his legacy of serving Hoosiers.”

— Mike Braun, Governor of Indiana (newsweek.com)

“Rev. Jesse Jackson changed this state and nation forever. His contributions to Civil Rights bettered the lives of millions, inspired a generation of leaders, and moved our nation further towards justice and equality. Rev. Jackson's legacy lives on in our constant efforts to build a Colorado For All, where there is space, opportunity, and justice for every person.”

— Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado (newsweek.com)

“A leader of strength and commitment to peace, Rev. Jesse Jackson brought meaningful change for people across the world. He challenged America to live up to its promise of freedom and justice for all, always advocating for unity over division. His passing is met with grief, but his legacy will continue to have a positive impact for generations to come.”

— Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky (newsweek.com)

What’s next

The funeral for North Carolina Trooper Stien Davis Jr. will be held on March 4 in Lumberton.

The takeaway

The half-staff flag orders across multiple states demonstrate the widespread respect and recognition for the contributions of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, as well as other public servants like the fallen North Carolina trooper and longtime state lawmakers. These symbolic gestures help preserve the legacies of these impactful individuals and encourage continued efforts to uphold their values of justice, equality, and public service.