Flags across the US, including Delaware and Pennsylvania, are flying half-staff to honor former US Vice President Dick Cheney, who died on November 3 at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and cardiac disease. The flags will remain lowered until his funeral on November 20, with no clear plan yet for where he will be buried or if he will receive a state funeral.
Cheney was known as the “War on Terror” architect and served eight years under President George W. Bush. He was a divisive figure among Democrats and Republicans, and had traded barbs with former US President Donald Trump over their differing views on politics and policy. Despite his polarizing nature, Cheney will be remembered for his role in leading the push to invade Iraq in 2003.
The funeral services will take place at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and are invitation-only, with the public able to watch online. Former US President George W. Bush and Cheney’s daughter Liz will speak, among others. The White House quietly lowered flags on November 4, but Trump has yet to comment on his passing.
In contrast to half-mast, which refers to flags flown from ships or naval stations ashore, half-staff is used for flags flown on land. Flags are flying half-staff in Delaware and Pennsylvania until sunset on the day of Cheney’s interment.
Source: https://eu.delawareonline.com/story/news/2025/11/18/why-are-flags-at-half-mast-today-american-flags-half-staff-dick-cheney-funeral-shapiro-meyer-trump/87334166007