You may be wondering what solemn occasion has caused flags to be lowered to half-staff this week throughout New York State.
The decision to lower an American flag is never taken lightly. While local municipalities control how flags are displayed on their property, most follow the lead of state and federal governments. In New York, there are only four permanent dates each year when flags are directed to be flown at half-staff: Memorial Day, Pearl Harbor Day, Peace Officers Memorial Day, and September 11, known as Patriot Day. Other times, it happens when state leaders choose to acknowledge a local tragedy or honor someone’s extraordinary service.
Why Flags Are at Half-Staff This Week in New York
This week’s order comes from Governor Kathy Hochul, who directed all flags on state buildings to be lowered on Wednesday, October 15, in memory of retired New York State Trooper Mark A. Ondus.
Trooper Ondus passed away on October 9 from an illness connected to his work at and around the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 attacks. He was among those who answered the call during one of the darkest times in New York’s history, serving with courage when the state needed heroes the most.
Schindler Funeral Home
Schindler Funeral Home
Governor Hochul said the tribute honors a man whose service “reflected the best of New York.”
Ondus served 26 years with the New York State Police before retiring in 2021. He was known by his fellow troopers and the community as a dedicated officer, a family man, and someone who put others first. He leaves behind his wife, Tammy, his sons Charles, Sebastian, and Nicholas, and his daughter Tauni.
Flags will remain lowered from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday in his honor.
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