Governor Pritzker Orders U.S. Flags Lowered to Half-Staff on Thursday

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is directing all U.S. and state flags throughout the Land of Lincoln to be lowered this Thursday (5/15).

Solemn Salute to Law Enforcement

According to a press release from the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (DCMS), flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset this Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Governor Pritzker ordered flags be lowered this week in recognition of Peace Officer Memorial Day, when we honor law enforcement officers who have lost their lives or become disabled in the line of duty.

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In the order, both the U.S. and the Illinois State flags are required to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset at "all state facilities and buildings occupied by state personnel."

A Tradition of Rememberance

Observed every May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day was first established in 1962 as part of National Police Week.

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In a press release from The White House, President Trump said, "We pray for those who grieve the fallen and pledge that their lives, legacies, and sacrifices will forever be remembered by our grateful Nation."

Illinois is a Frequent Flyer at Half-Staff

Over the past month, the flags in Illinois seem to have been at half-staff almost the entire time.

At the end of April, all flags across the U.S. were lowered for the death of Pope Francis, and then stayed at half-staff in Illinois to honor fallen Chicago Fire Captain David Meyer.

When a tragic accident in downstate Illinois took the lives of three young children and a teenager near Chatham, the flags were ordered to half-staff through Sunday, May 4.