SAN ANTONIO – Governor Greg Abbott, citing a federal statute, ordered all flags to be raised at full mast at the Texas Capitol and on all state buildings for Inauguration Day.
All U.S. flags were ordered to half-mast for 30 days following the death of former President Jimmy Carter, from a proclamation by President Biden.
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According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, these regulations on when the flag should fly at half-mast were first implemented by former President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954.
Former President Jimmy Carter died on Dec. 29, 2024. This means the flags will be raised nine days early.
“Texas continues to mourn with our fellow Americans across the country over the passing of former President Jimmy Carter,” said Governor Abbott, in part. “President Carter’s steadfast leadership left a lasting legacy that will be felt for generations to come, which together as a nation we honor by displaying flags at half-staff for 30 days.”
Governor Abbott said that in a time of new leadership, speaking of the upcoming Trump administration, it was important to honor a former president and welcome an incoming president.
President-elect Donald Trump had expressed frustration with the flags flying half-mast before taking office on Jan. 20.
However, there was no guide on what to do when these periods overlap.
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