Flags at Half Staff
Flags are currently being flown at HALF staff.
Governor Patrick is requesting both the American and Commonwealth flags be lowered to half staff from sunrise until sunset on November 20, 2009 in honor of Sergeant Benjamin W. Sherman killed in action.
Pursuant to gubernatorial protocol which states,
"The U.S. flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on the day of interment of any soldier from Massachusetts who is killed in action in a war zone while on active duty,”
Please be advised that Governor Patrick has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Friday, November 20, 2009, in honor of Sergeant Benjamin W. Sherman of Plymouth, Massachusetts who was killed in action in Afghanistan on November 4, 2009.
This gubernatorial order applies to:
- The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls
- Other state-owned or state-controlled buildings
- All state military installations
Information About Flag Protocol
Half-Staff Notification for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
BSB Policy Regarding the flying of flags at half-staff
The decision to fly flags at half-staff ultimately rests with the Governor, but is normally made and carried out by the Superintendent.
The Bureau notifies other state-managed facilities in Massachusetts of this decision. This notification is distributed by way of e-mail.
If you would like to be added to this list, please e-mail Half-Staff Notification.
Following are some useful links for information about United States Flag Protocol.
The Flag Code, Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1 
From The General Laws of Massachusetts
http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/2-6.htm
Disclaimer: The Bureau of State Office Buildings is not responsible for the content of external links.
This information is provided by the Bureau of State Office Buildings.