OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

	The Maryland Flag is flying at full staff today.		MD FLAG STATUS AT A GLANCE
In response to inquiries we have received, the Office of the Secretary of State would like to explain the recent implementation of Public Law 110-41. This federal law authorizes the Governor of a State to order that the U.S. flag be flown at half staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces from that State who dies while serving on active duty. To further honor the sacrifice of this individual, Governor O'Malley has ordered both the United States Flag and the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff.
Date	Commemoration		Maryland citizens like to know whenever Governor O'Malley has declared that flags—both U.S. and State, are to be flown at half-staff. If you would like to be added to our distribution list, please click here. Our flag alert system will automatically notify you via email of any change in flag status.
July 27, 2008	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Sunday, July 27, 2008, from sunrise to sunset. This is in honor of National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, in memory of the Americans who died as a result of their service in the Korean War.
June 10, 2008	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States and Maryland State Flags flown at half staff on Thursday, July 10 2008, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Lieutenant Colonel James J. Walton, of Rockville, Maryland, who died on June 21, 2008 in Kandahar City, Afghanistan of injuries sustained while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
June 27, 2008 Updated	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag to remain at half staff until sunset on Thursday, July 3, 2008. This is in memory of Cpl. Richard Scott Findley, a 10-year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department, who was killed on June 27, 2008 while attempting to stop two suspects in a suspected stolen vehicle.
June 11, 2008	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately in memory of Former Agriculture Secretary Wayne Cawley, Jr. Former Secretary Wayne Cawley, Jr., dedicated more than ten years of loyal service to the people of Maryland, and demonstrated his love of farming not only through his career, but also with his craft as a grain farmer. The flag shall continue to be flown at half staff until sunset on June 16, 2008.
May 26, 2008	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff from sunrise to noon on Monday, May 26, 2008. This action is in honor of Memorial Day, in memory of the brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and security of our Nation.
May 15, 2008	In accordance with President Bush’s proclamation, Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered that the United States Flag and the Maryland State Flag be flown at half staff immediately until sunset on Thursday, May 15, 2008 in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day.
April 10, 2008	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately. This is in memory of Gregory Anthony Bauer of Abingdon, Maryland, a facility maintenance technician with the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), who was struck by a vehicle while clearing debris from I-95 on April 9, 2008. The flag shall continue to be flown at half staff until sunset on Monday, April 14, 2008.
March 19, 2008	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States and Maryland State Flags flown at half staff on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Staff Sergeant Collin J. Bowen, of Nottingham, Maryland, who died on March 14, 2008 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
February 20, 2008	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag and the U.S. Flag flown at half staff on Thursday, February 28, 2008, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Specialist Micheal B. Matlock, Jr. of Severna Park, Maryland, who died on February 20, 2008 in Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
February 1, 2008	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff until sunset on Wednesday, February 6, 2008. This is in memory of Captain Donald Hubbel, a firefighter with the Baltimore City Fire Department, who died in the line of duty on February 1, 2008.
January 28, 2008 updated	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag continue to fly at half staff in memory of Former Senator Robert Hooper, of Harford County, Maryland until sunset on Tuesday, January 29, 2008.
January 12, 2008	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately in honor of Firefighter Jarrett Dixon of Baltimore County, Maryland, who died January 12, 2008 in the line of duty. The Maryland flag is currently already at half staff honoring Senator Gwendolyn Britt and should remain so until sunset on Sunday, January 20, 2008.
January 12, 2008 updated	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered that the Maryland State Flag continue to fly at half staff in memory of Senator Gwendolyn Britt of Prince George’s County, Maryland until sunset on Friday, January 18, 2008. All flags should be at full staff on Saturday morning.
January 1, 2008 UPDATED	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately. This is in memory of Officer Courtney G. Brooks, a Maryland Transportation Authority police officer who was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver shortly before midnight on New Year’s Eve. The flag will be flown at half staff until sunset on Monday, January 7, 2008.
December 20, 2008 updated	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff until sunset on Monday, December 24, 2007. This is in memory of Officer Christopher Nicholson, a Smithsburg Police Officer who died on December 19, 2007 from injuries sustained in the line of duty.
December 7, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Friday, December 7, 2007, from sunrise until sunset. This action is in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, in memory of the brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and security of our Nation.
November 29, 2007 updated	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately. This is in memory of Delegate Jane E. Lawton of Montgomery County, Maryland, who died suddenly today. Delegate Lawton was a wonderful public servant, a tireless advocate for our environment, the Chesapeake Bay and affordable housing, who worked hard for her constituents and the people of Montgomery County. The flag shall continue to be flown at half staff until sunset on Sunday, December 2, 2007. All flags should be at full staff effective immediately.
November 6, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, November 6, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Staff Sergeant Robin L. Towns, Sr., of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, who died on October 24, 2007 in Bayji, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
September 18, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Wednesday, October 3, 2007, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Specialist Ari D. Brown-Weeks of Abingdon, Maryland, who died on September 10, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq, while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
September 11, 2007	This is to advise you that the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag are to be flown at half staff on Tuesday, September 11, 2007, from sunrise to sunset. President George W. Bush has proclaimed September 11, 2007 as Patriot Day and has called upon the states to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, as well as flying the flag at half staff. In honor and memory of the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to mark the sixth anniversary of the tragic day, Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag to half-staff on the above date.
August 26, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag and United States Flag flown at half staff on Friday, August 31, 2007, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory Army Sgt. Princess C. Samuels, of Mitchellville, Maryland, who died on August 15, 2007 in Taji, Iraq while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom
August 22, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Thursday, August 23, 2007, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Sergeant Scott L. Kirkpatrick, of Dickerson, Maryland, who died on August 11, 2007 while conducting combat operations in Arab Jabour, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
July 31, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, July 31, 2007, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory CPL Brandon M. Craig, of Earleville, Maryland, who died on July 19, 2007 in Husayniyah, Iraq while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
June 27, 2007 updated	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff in honor of Rick Moser, a 21-year veteran with the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), who was struck by a vehicle while clearing debris on a ramp near Frederick on June 26, 2007. The flag shall continue to be flown at half staff until sunset on Monday, July 2, 2007.
June 18, 2007 updated	This is to advise you that Governor O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff in honor of Howard County Officer Scott Wheeler who died of injuries sustained in the line of duty on Sunday, June 17, 2007. The flag shall continue to be flown at half staff until sunset on June 22, 2007.
June 14, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Friday, June 15, 2007 from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory SFC Robert Earl Dunham, of Baltimore, Maryland, who died on May 24, 2007 while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad, Iraq.
June 5, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the U.S. Flag and the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, June 5, 2007, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of former Congressman Parren Mitchell, the first African American elected to Congress from the State of Maryland. Congressman Mitchell represented the 7th Congressional District of Maryland from 1971 to 1987. He also served as an officer in World War II and received the Purple Heart.
May 29, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff through Thursday, May 31, 2007 from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Correctional Officer Perry Brooks, who died on Friday, May 25, 2007
May 29, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory Army Pfc. Jonathan V. Hamm of Baltimore, Maryland, who died on May 17, 2007 in the line of duty in Baghdad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom
May 28, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Monday, May 28, 2007 from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory Army Sgt. Casey W. Nash of Baltimore, Maryland, who died on May 18, 2007 in the line of duty in Tahrir, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
May 28, 2007	In accordance with President Bush’s proclamation, Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag be flown at half staff from sunrise to noon on Monday, May 28, 2007. This action is in honor of Memorial Day, in memory of the brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and security of our Nation.
May 16, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Marine Major Douglas Zembiec of Annapolis, Maryland, who died on May 11, 2007 while conducting combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq.
May 15, 2007	In accordance with President Bush’s proclamation, Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered that the United States Flag and the Maryland State Flag be flown at half staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day
May 10, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Friday, May 11, 2007, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Staff Sergeant Jay E. Martin of Baltimore, Maryland, who died on April 29, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
May 4, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Friday, May 4, 2007, from sunrise until sunset. This is in honor of the 22nd Annual Fallen Heroes Memorial Day, honoring Maryland's public safety personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty while protecting the citizens of Maryland.
May 2, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Wednesday, May 2, 2007, from sunrise until sunset. This is in memory of Army Staff Sgt. Marlon B. Harper of Baltimore, Maryland, who died on April 21, 2007 from injuries sustained in the line of duty in Baghdad, Iraq.
April 25, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately. This is in memory Officer Luke Hoffman, who died on April 25, 2007 from injuries sustained in the line of duty. The flag will be flown at half staff until sunset on Saturday, April 28, 2007.
April 20, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Friday, April 20, 2007, from sunrise until sunset. This is in memory of Army Sgt. Edelman L. Hernandez of Hyattsville, Maryland, who died on April 11, 2007 in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan while on combat patrol.
April 17, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff from today, April 17, 2007, until further notice. This is in memory of those who lost their lives in the deadly shooting rampage at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia yesterday.
March 19, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, from sunrise until sunset. This is in memory of Army Sgt. Thomas L. Latham of Delmar, Maryland, who died on March 11, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.
February 26, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Tuesday, February 27, 2007, from sunrise until sunset. This is in memory of Army Warrant Officer John A. Quinlan of Timonium, Maryland, who died on February 18, 2007 in a CH-47 helicopter crash in Afghanistan.
February 21, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Thursday February 22, 2007, from sunrise until sunset. This is in memory of Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Manuel A. Ruiz of Federalsburg, Maryland, who died on February 7, 2007, while supporting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq.
February 16, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff from today until Friday, February 23, 2007, at sunset. This is in memory of Walter Sondheim, Jr. Mr. Sondheim, among many other public positions, served at the head of the school boards of both the State of Maryland and City of Baltimore and was President of Baltimore’s school board during the desegregation of public schools. Mr. Sondheim led the effort to revitalize downtown Baltimore, including the Inner Harbor. Mr. Sondheim is remembered as a man of wisdom, dedication, kindness and integrity.
February 15, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Friday, February 16, 2007, from sunrise until sunset. This is in memory of Marine Cpl. Jennifer M. Parcell of Bel Air, Maryland, who died on February 7, 2007, while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
February 12, 2007	This is to advise you that the Maryland State Flag will be flown at half staff starting today until sunset on the day of the funeral of Baltimore City firefighter Rachel Wilson. This is to advise you that funeral services for Baltimore City firefighter, Rachel Wilson, will be held on Friday, February 16, 2007. The Maryland State Flag, which has been flying at half staff in her honor since February 10, 2007, will continue to be flown at half staff until sunset on Friday, February 16, 2007.
February 2, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Monday, February 5, 2007, from sunrise until sunset. This is in memory of Army SFC Floyd E. Lake of Beltsville, Maryland, who died on January 20, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq, when the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter he was in crashed. SFC Lake served with the Virgin Islands National Guard.
January 30, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Wednesday, January 31, 2007, from sunrise until sunset. This is in memory of Maryland Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Roger W. Haller of Annapolis, Maryland, who died on January 20, 2007, as a result of injuries sustained while serving in Iraq
January 16, 2007	This is to advise you that Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on January 17, 2007 from sunrise until sunset. This is in memory of Army Spc. Eric T. Caldwell, of Salisbury, Maryland, who died on January 7, 2007 as a result of injuries sustained while serving in Iraq.
January 11, 2007 updated 1-15	This is to advise you that Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff in honor of Police Officer Troy Chesley, Sr., who was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday, January 9, 2007. The flag shall continue to be flown at half staff until sunset on Tuesday, January 16, 2007.
This action is taken under the Protocol for the Maryland State Flag. Any question on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State at 410-974-5521. Questions regarding these matters should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.

The Maryland flag should be flown at half-staff: whenever the U.S. flag is so flown; when so ordered by county and municipal government officials on all property under their jurisdiction; and on Memorial Day, when the U.S. flag and Maryland flag are displayed at half-staff until noon only; then they are hoisted to the top of the staff.

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