Why will NC flags fly at half-staff this weekend? What to know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Gov. Stein ordered U.S. and NC flags at state facilities lowered Saturday
- Flags honor NC Rep. Mike Clampitt, who died March 18; he had myelodysplastic syndrome
- Governor and President can order half-staff; federal and state rules govern display
Flags will be flown at half-staff this week to honor a late state representative.
NC State Rep. Mike Clampitt, 71, a Republican from Western North Carolina, died on March 18 from cancer. Gov. Josh Stein ordered the U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, April 4.
“Before I was sworn in as Governor, Representative Mike Clampitt was one of the first people I called as we worked to rebuild western NC after Hurricane Helene,” Stein said in a news release. “He was a steadfast public servant for his community in WNC, and today I am saddened by the news of his passing. May his memory be a blessing.”
Clampitt’s House District 119, included Jackson, Transylvania and Swain counties. He announced in 2025 he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a blood and bone marrow cancer, The News & Observer reported previously.
“This is undoubtedly one of the most difficult periods of my life, but I remain hopeful and grounded by the unwavering support of my family, friends and this incredible community,” Clampitt said in April 2025.
He was known for “occasionally loud and festive suits and friendly demeanor,” The N&O previously reported.
Who decides when flags are at half-staff?
Flags can be ordered lowered by the North Carolina Governor at state buildings and by a Presidential proclamation, which affects federal buildings, grounds and naval vessels.
“At no time shall an order be given that would result in the flag of the state of North Carolina being displayed in a manner inconsistent with the various policies governing the display of both the United States and North Carolina flags,” according to the flag code.
Stein previously ordered flags lowered to half-staff from sunrise Thursday, Feb. 19 through sunset Saturday, Feb. 28 in honor of Civil Rights Activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and in for a state trooper killed in a crash from March 10 -11.
In addition to somber remembrances, the flags can be lowered for some holiday observances like:
- National Firefighters Memorial Day, first Sunday in May
- Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15
- Memorial Day, last Monday in May
- Patriot Day, Sept. 11
- Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7
Capitol Bureau Chief Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan contributed to this report. Portions of this story were previously reported by The News & Observer.
