
In a recent announcement, Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox has commanded the flags to be raised to their full staff at state facilities this coming Monday, January 20th, 2025. This temporary elevation is to mark the presidential inauguration, a symbol of the enduring nature of the nation’s democracy. According to the Utah Governor's Office, the flags will be displayed full staff as the country witnesses the swearing-in of its newly elected leader.
However, the same day will witness a prompt descent of the flags at sunset. Honoring the memory of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away in December 2024, will cast a solemn note on the day's earlier proceedings. Returning to half-staff, the flags will stand as a national period of mourning, recognizing a past leader's contributions to the country. The homage is not confined to state facilities alone, with Governor Cox extending an open invitation to "all private citizens, businesses, and organizations across the state to join in this tribute."
The interval for which the flags will remain at half-mast encompasses more than a week, concluding only as the sun sets on January 28. This gesture stretches beyond mere observance of tradition, it encapsulates the gravity and reverence owed to a figure who once helmed the nation through times that tested both its values and resilience.