Flags around Iowa will be at half-staff on Thursday, July 3.
Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags be lowered from sunrise to sunset on July 3. All flags on public grounds will be at half-staff. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to do the same.
Why are flags at half-staff today?
State Sen. Rocky De Witt, R-Lawton, died Wednesday, June 25.
Flags are lowered on Thursday in honor and remembrance of Iowa Senator Rocky De Witt, who died of pancreatic cancer on June 25. He was 66. De Witt represented Senate District 1, which covers Woodbury County, including Sioux City and Lawton.
More: Iowa Sen. Rocky De Witt dies of pancreatic cancer at age 66
The state senator had a 22-year career with MidAmerican Energy. He went on to work as a deputy for the Woodbury Sheriff’s Office. De Witt also served on the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors and was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2022.
What’s the difference between half-mast and half-staff for flags?
Half-mast is used when the flag is flown from a flagpole, typically referring to a ship mast or similar structures, according to Federal Flags. Half-mast means the flag is flown two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the flagstaff.
Half-staff is the term used for flags on land, particularly in the United States. Half-staff describes a flag that is raised halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole.
When the American flag is flown at half-staff, it conveys a message of respect and mourning. Federal Flags says this custom is most often observed following the death of a government official, military personnel or in response to a national tragedy.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why are flags at half-staff today? Iowa honors Sen. Rocky De Witt