US flags ordered to fly at half-staff in two states this weekend
Flags are flying at half‑staff across parts of the United States today and through the weekend, as officials honor a former congressman, a firefighter killed in the line of duty, and a long‑serving state lawmaker.
Separate orders in Massachusetts and Washington reflect both personal loss and public service, with tributes spanning politics, emergency response, and decades of community leadership.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, flags have been lowered statewide in honor of former U.S. Congressman Barney Frank and Boston firefighter Robert “Bobby” Kilduff Jr., with the separate observances continuing through their respective funeral services.
Governor Maura Healey ordered flags lowered beginning May 20 following the death of Frank, a towering figure in modern American politics who represented Massachusetts in Congress for 32 years. The order was later extended to include Kilduff, a firefighter who died in the line of duty, battling a blaze in Boston.
Healey said that flags should remain at half-staff until the day of interment for Frank, or the day of interment for Kilduff, whichever occurs later.
The dual tribute means flags will remain at half‑staff until June 8, the date of Frank’s memorial service, because it falls after Kilduff’s interment, which is set for June 1.
Barney Frank: a Defining Voice in Modern Politics
Frank, who died at 86, was one of the most prominent liberal lawmakers of his era and a central architect of U.S. financial regulation.
He became the first member of Congress to voluntarily come out as gay in 1987, a moment widely seen as a turning point for LGBTQ+ representation in national politics.
After the 2008 financial crisis, he helped craft the sweeping banking reform legislation that became known as the Dodd‑Frank Act, reshaping oversight of Wall Street and the broader financial system.
Even in his final years, Frank remained engaged in public debate. He was working on a book examining the rise of populism and the challenges facing liberal democracy, and continued to offer commentary on the direction of U.S. politics.
A memorial service will be held at Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall, a symbolic venue reflecting his long public career and deep ties to Massachusetts.
Robert “Bobby” Kilduff Jr: ‘Energy Way Bigger Than Himself’
Alongside Frank, Massachusetts is also honoring Kilduff Jr, a veteran Boston firefighter who died after falling during a fire in Dorchester.
Kilduff, a third‑generation firefighter, had been a member of the Boston Fire Department for 24 years, as well as a U.S. Marine veteran. He leaves behind two adult children.
Colleagues described him as a constant presence and a cornerstone of the department.
“He had this persona and this energy that was way bigger than himself,” firefighter Sam Dillon told NBC Boston.
Another colleague, Ed Kelly, added: “He didn’t know how to say ‘no’ when people needed something…he intuitively knew what needed to be done.”
In the days following his death, tributes poured in from across the country, with firefighters traveling from across the U.S. and Canada to attend his funeral.
“In the past three days, I’ve reached for my phone…because whenever this has happened before, Bobby was the guy,” Dillon said.
“We are going to send Bobby off the way he made sure other firefighters have been sent off,” he added.
His funeral is scheduled for Monday in Boston, where he is expected to receive full honors.
Washington
In Washington state, flags are being lowered on Saturday to honor former State Senator Sam Hunt, a long‑time public servant who died at 83 following a battle with leukemia.
Governor Bob Ferguson ordered flags at state facilities lowered in Hunt’s memory, with officials encouraging businesses and residents to participate as well.
Hunt’s career spanned decades in public life. He served 16 years in the Washington State House of Representatives before being elected to the state Senate, where he served until 2025.
Before entering state politics, he worked as a teacher and served on a city council, later becoming mayor pro tempore. He also served on the Washington State University Board of Regents.
He was widely known for his work on voting rights and election reform, playing a key role in legislation aimed at expanding ballot access and modernizing election systems.
“Sam was such a kind man who exemplified integrity,” said Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders.
His daughter described him as “an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and partner…deeply loved and forever missed.”
Even political opponents praised his approach, noting his willingness to work across ideological divides and maintain personal friendships despite differences.
Republican State Senator Drew MacEwen said that despite being “far apart politically,” the two “just respected each other,” despite their “differences.”
How Flag Etiquette Works During Half‑Staff
According to guidance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), when displaying the flag at half‑staff, proper protocol requires it to be raised briskly to the top of the pole before being lowered to the halfway position. At the end of the day, it should again be raised briefly to full staff before being lowered completely.
The VA notes that these observances are reserved for significant moments of remembrance, including the deaths of public officials, service members, and first responders, as well as designated national days of tribute.
