Why are flags at half-staff in Tennessee? When will they go back up? The two reasons why they were lowered

Flags in Tennessee have been lowered to half-staff to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. This somber gesture also commemorates the victims of a school shooting at Antioch High School that occurred on January 22, 2025, claiming the life of a 16-year-old and injuring another student. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the decision on January 23 through a post on social media platform X. Following President Biden's order, flags will remain at half-staff for 30 days in remembrance of Carter, until January 29. On Inauguration Day, January 20, flags were raised to full-staff to celebrate the inauguration of President Trump.

Other states joined Tennessee in hoisting flags on Inauguration Day, demonstrating a national recognition of the event. The authority to order flags to half-staff is restricted to the U. S. president, state governors, or the mayor of Washington, D. C.

This article highlights the interplay between local tragedies and national events, emphasizing the significance of state and federal protocols regarding flag displays.