Flags in Colorado are currently flying at half-staff to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away in late December 2024. President Joe Biden ordered a nationwide period of mourning, with flags at half-staff for 30 days, beginning on the day of President Carter’s death. This order applies to all states, including Colorado. While flags were briefly raised to full-staff for President Trump’s inauguration on January 20th, 2025, they were lowered again to half-staff immediately following the ceremony to continue the mourning period for President Carter. The flags will remain at half-staff until January 28th, 2025, marking the end of the 30-day period.
Colorado’s Observance of the National Flag Order
Colorado Governor Jared Polis followed President Biden’s mandate, ordering flags in the state to be flown at half-staff. However, Governor Polis also directed that flags be raised to full-staff on January 20th, 2025, for the duration of President Trump’s inauguration ceremony. Following the inauguration, flags in Colorado were lowered back to half-staff to complete the mourning period for President Carter.
Other States with Similar Orders
Colorado was one of several states, including California under Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, that briefly raised flags to full-staff for the inauguration while observing the national mourning period. A number of Republican governors issued similar orders, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Flags at the U.S. Capitol Building also followed this protocol.
Current Status of Flags in Colorado
As of January 21st, 2025, flags in Colorado are flying at half-staff in accordance with the presidential proclamation honoring former President Jimmy Carter. They will remain at half-staff until January 28th, 2025. After this date, flags will return to full-staff unless another proclamation for half-staff is issued.
