Illinois Gov Pritzker Ordering Flags to Be Lowered Beginning Friday (6/19)

Illinois residents will see U.S. flags and Illinois state flags flying at half-staff across the state this weekend, following an order issued by Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Statewide Flag Order Issued by the Governor

Under the governor's proclamation, flags are to be lowered in honor of the Juneteenth National Freedom Day, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

The order applies to all persons and entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act and required to lower flags beginning at sunrise on Friday, June 19, 2026, and remain at half-staff until sunset on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

What the Illinois Flag Display Act Requires

According to the press release from the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, the Governor's Office oversees official flag honor proclamations and may order flags lowered to half-staff to recognize fallen service members, first responders, public officials, and other significant events or observances deemed worthy of statewide recognition.

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The Illinois Flag Display Act establishes authority for these proclamations and guides how flags should be displayed.

Recognizing Freedom and Reflection

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas learned they were free more than two years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The annual observance has become a nationally recognized day of reflection, education, and celebration of freedom and equality.