Why are flags at half-staff today? Here’s why flags remain lowered until Nov. 20 in PA, DE

Why is the flag at half-staff? These are possible reasons: Video

The flag of the United States of America is flown at half-staff on several occasions, generally marking that the country is in mourning

American flags are flying half-staff in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and across the U.S. on Nov. 18 and will remain lowered until the funeral of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney. Cheney, best known as the “War on Terror” architect who turned President Donald Trump critic, died at the age of 84 on Nov. 3.

President Donald Trump has yet to comment on Cheney’s death, but the White House quietly lowered flags Nov. 4. Cheney, a divisive figure among Democrats and Republicans, was vice president for eight years under President George W. Bush. A longtime conservative figure, Cheney and Trump traded barbs over the years: Cheney no longer supported Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, and Cheney said he voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

Cheney’s funeral is Nov. 20 at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Funeral services are invitation-only, with the public invited to watch services online. As of Nov. 16, information about where Cheney will be buried or if he will lie in state is not yet known.

Why are flags at half-mast today?

Flags are flying half-staff – not half-mast – in the U.S. and across Pennsylvania and Delaware today to honor the life former U.S. Vice President Richard “Dick” Cheney. He died Nov. 3 at the age of 84 due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, the Cheney family said.

President Donald Trump and Cheney were at-odds over the years, and while the White House lowered flags Nov. 4, Trump has not commented on Cheney’s death.

What’s the difference between half-mast and half-staff?

The difference between a flag flying half-mast and half-staff depends on where the flag is being flown. In America, flags flown on land are from staffs, while half-mast refers to flags flown from ships and at naval stations ashore.

How long will flags be lowered?

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered U.S., Delaware and Pennsylvania flags fly at half-staff until sunset on the day of Dick Cheney’s interment. Cheney’s funeral is on Nov. 20, 2025, although where he will be buried and if he will get a state funeral is not yet clear.

Who is Dick Cheney? Was Cheney in the military?

Former U.S. Vice President Richard “Dick” Cheney served eight years under President George W. Bush, from 2001 to 2009, and was married to Lynne Cheney, whom he shared daughters, Liz and Mary. Cheney was best known for his role in leading the push to invade Iraq in 2003 (“War on Terror” architect), which was in large part why he was considered one of the most powerful vice presidents in American history.

In 1989, there was a kerfuffle over President George H. W. Bush naming Cheney the U.S. Secretary of Defense because Cheney had used five deferments to avoid the draft during the Vietnam War. He had “other priorities than military service,” he later said.

A divisive force among both Republicans and Democrats, Cheney was mostly moderate and conservative but would later break with many Republicans when he supported same-sex marriage (his youngest daughter, Mary, was openly gay).

After leaving the White House, Cheney worked on penning memoirs but stayed in public view, aggressively defending the Bush administration while attacking President Barack Obama’s war policy and international diplomacy changes.

When is Dick Cheney’s funeral? Interment, lie in state

Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney’s funeral will be held at 11 a.m. ET on Nov. 20, 2025. It will take place at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Services are by invitation-only; however, the public can watch the service online.

Where Cheney will be buried is not yet publicly known as of Nov. 16, nor is to clear if he will lie in state. Those who get a state funeral lie in state in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republican leadership is reviewing “protocol” about Cheney potentially lying in state, The Hill reported.

Who is attending Dick Cheney’s funeral?

President Donald Trump is not yet confirmed to attend the late Dick Cheney’s funeral; however, former U.S. President George W. Bush will speak, as will Cheney’s daughter, Liz Cheney, and Cheney’s grandchildren. Cheney has seven grandchildren: Liz Cheney and her husband, Philip Perry, have five kids, while Mary and her partner, Heather Poe, have two children.

Also set to speak is Pete Williams, former assistant secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and former NBC News justice correspondent.

Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.