Amid Half-Staff Tributes for Carter, Arizona Town Proudly Raises Flag for Inauguration Day

President Joe Biden has announced that U.S. flags should be flown at half-staff for 30 days in honor of former President Jimmy Carter’s passing. This directive complies with the U.S. flag code established for honoring current and former presidents.

In a notable decision, the town of Fountain Hills, Arizona, will raise flags at full-staff on Inauguration Day, January 20. Town Manager Rachael Goodwin shared that she consulted various council members and residents regarding the flag protocol for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

The U.S. flag code stipulates specific guidelines for half-staff displays, primarily focused on federal properties, including government buildings and military installations. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson confirmed the U.S. Capitol’s flags would be raised to full-staff for Trump’s inauguration but would return to half-staff the following day to honor Carter.

Goodwin emphasized the complexities involved in the decision-making process about flag displays. Mayor Gerry Friedel has instructed all town buildings to display flags at full-staff during the inauguration, with a return to half-staff the next day.

“As Americans, we celebrate the bright future ahead of the United States with the inauguration of Donald Trump as President,” said Fountain Hills Councilman Allen Skillicorn. “I’m thrilled to join the people of Fountain Hills in this special display of respect and patriotism!”

Arizona has joined other states in not lowering the flag for the inauguration. However, numerous states are set to honor the occasion by raising their flags, including Alabama, California, and Texas, among others.