why are flags at half staff in indiana

Flags in Indiana are currently at half-staff to honor former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton.

Governor Mike Braun issued the order following Hamilton's death on February 3, 2026, at age 94. Flags at state facilities remain lowered until sunset on the day of his interment, with no funeral date announced yet as of early February.

Who Was Lee Hamilton?

Lee Hamilton represented Indiana's 9th Congressional District from 1965 to 1999, earning praise as a "champion of bipartisanship" and "true Hoosier icon."

Governor Braun highlighted his legacy of "integrity, civility, and public service," urging Hoosiers to lower flags at homes and businesses too.

Hamilton's passing marks the loss of a key figure in state and national politics, prompting this statewide tribute.

Official Order Details

• Issued : February 4, 2026, by Gov. Mike Braun's office.

• Duration : Immediately until sunset on interment day (TBD).

• Scope : All Indiana state facilities; voluntary for private properties.

• Quote from Braun : "Indiana mourns the passing of Lee Hamilton... We extend our prayers to his family and honor his legacy of serving Hoosiers."

Recent Context

This follows other half-staff orders, like those for national figures, but Hamilton's is specific to Indiana's facilities until his services conclude.

As of February 8, 2026, flags stay low amid ongoing mourning—no updates on interment yet.

Past examples include honors for victims or peace officers, showing Indiana's tradition of such gestures.

TL;DR: Flags honor Rep. Lee Hamilton (d. Feb. 3, 2026) per Gov. Braun's order—lowered statewide until his interment sunset.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.