If you’ve been driving around Richmond, Roanoke, or really anywhere in the Commonwealth this morning, you probably noticed the flags. They’re sitting low on the poles. It’s one of those things that instantly makes you pause and wonder, "Wait, what did I miss?"
Honestly, seeing the colors at half-mast—or half-staff, technically—usually means the state is grieving. Today, January 13, 2026, there is a specific reason why those flags are lowered across Virginia.
The reason for today's flag order
In Virginia, flag protocols are typically dictated by the Governor or a Presidential proclamation. Today, flags are at half-staff in Virginia to honor Korean American Day.
Governor Glenn Youngkin issued a proclamation for this specific date to recognize the massive contributions of the Korean American community to the Commonwealth. While half-staff orders are often reserved for mourning a specific loss, they are also used to mark days of profound solemnity or significant cultural remembrance.
It’s worth noting that while Virginia is observing this, neighboring states might have different orders. For instance, in Maryland, flags are lowered today for Detective Paul Hoke. In Michigan, they’re honoring a former state senator. It can get a bit confusing when you cross state lines and see everyone doing something slightly different, but for Virginians, today centers on the legacy and history of Korean Americans.
How the decision gets made
Basically, the Governor of Virginia has the authority to lower the flags for any reason they deem appropriate to honor the service of a Virginian or a group that has shaped the state.
You’ve probably seen this happen for:
- The death of a prominent former state official.
- Line-of-duty deaths for first responders.
- National tragedies where the President issues a mandate.
- Specific days of remembrance like today.
The Virginia Department of General Services (DGS) is the agency that usually blasts out these notifications. They send them to state agencies, local governments, and even schools. If you’re a flag geek, you can actually sign up for their email list so you aren't left guessing when you see the flags down at the post office.
Understanding the "Why" behind the 2026 Proclamation
January 13 was chosen as Korean American Day because it marks the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States back in 1903. They landed in Hawaii, and from there, the community grew and eventually became a pillar of Virginia’s own cultural fabric, particularly in Northern Virginia.
By lowering the flag today, the state isn't just saying "thanks." It’s a formal act of respect. In the world of government protocol, there isn't a higher way to show reverence than to intentionally leave that space at the top of the pole.
Common misconceptions about half-staff flags
I’ve heard people say that flags only go down when a President dies. Not true. While that’s a big reason, it’s only one part of the code.
Actually, the U.S. Flag Code is pretty specific about how this works. For a former President, it’s 30 days. For a sitting Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, it’s 10 days. But for state-specific observances or the death of a local hero, the Governor has the final word on the duration. Usually, it’s just for one day—from sunrise to sunset.
Another thing? You aren't supposed to just hoist the flag halfway and call it a day. You have to pull it all the way to the peak for a second, then lower it to the middle. Same thing when you take it down at sunset. It goes back to the top before it comes down. It’s about the drama and the respect of the movement.
What should you do with your flag?
If you have a flag flying at your house or business, you aren't legally required to lower it just because the state buildings did. The Flag Code is more like a set of guidelines for civilians. However, most people choose to follow along as a sign of solidarity.
If your flag is on a fixed pole (like one attached to your house that doesn't move), you can’t really put it at half-staff. In that case, the "proper" move is to attach a black crepe streamer to the top of the staff. It’s a way to participate without breaking your hardware.
How to stay updated in the future
If you find yourself constantly Googling why the flags are down, there are a few reliable spots to check.
- The Governor’s official website: Look for the "Proclamations" or "Newsroom" section.
- Virginia DGS: They maintain the official flag status for the Commonwealth.
- Local News: Most Richmond or Norfolk stations are pretty quick to post the reason for a flag order early in the morning.
For today, the flags remain low until sunset. Tomorrow, they’ll return to the top of the mast unless a new order is issued.
To ensure your flag display remains respectful and accurate, you should verify the specific sunset time for your local Virginia zip code, as the flag should be returned to full-staff or taken down precisely at that moment. You can also sign up for the Virginia flag alert email system through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website to receive real-time updates directly to your inbox.