U.S. Flags Across Illinois Ordered to Half-Staff Through February 28

U.S. and state flags across Illinois will fly at half-staff through next week following an order from Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Statewide Directive Issued Under Illinois Flag Display Act

According to a press release from the Illinois Department of Central Management, a formal notice has been received from Governor Pritzker that directs U.S. flags be lowered to half-staff through sunset on Saturday, February 28.

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The directive to lower flags is in honor of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, an American Civil Rights Activist and politician who died on February 17 at the age of 84.

What the Illinois Flag Display Act Requires

Under the Illinois Flag Display Act, flags must be lowered to honor Illinois members of armed forces, police, fire service, and other covered groups who are killed in the line of duty.

The order applies to both U.S. and Illinois state flags at all buildings occupied by state agency personnel, and law requires flags to be at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of the funeral and for the two preceding days.

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While this Act specifically outlines flag flying requirements for fallen service members and first responders, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker may also issue proclamations that direct flags to be lowered to recognize individuals of statewide or national significance.