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By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
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Flags have been ordered lowered to half‑staff on Friday and into the weekend as some U.S. states observe official periods of mourning, including for a former governor, a longtime member of Congress and a fallen law enforcement officer.
The orders each reflect a separate tribute, with observances spanning multiple days in Hawaii, West Virginia and Oklahoma.
Hawaii is honoring former Governor George R. Ariyoshi, West Virginia is honoring former Representative David McKinley and Oklahoma is honoring LeFlore County Deputy Thomas "Walker" LeMay, who was killed in the line of duty.
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Under federal law, state governors have authority to order flags lowered on state buildings for state-level observances, separate from the president's authority to do the same.
Flags are commonly lowered in the United States following the death of government officials and for designated holidays like Memorial Day. For example, last September President Donald Trump ordered flags half-staff following the assassination of right-winged activist Charlie Kirk.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, flags were lowered beginning April 20.
Democratic Governor Josh Green ordered U.S. and Hawaii state flags at the State Capitol, all state offices and agencies, and Hawaii National Guard facilities to be flown at half‑staff in honor of Ariyoshi.
Ariyoshi, Hawaii's third and longest‑serving governor, died on Sunday at the age of 100.
Born in Honolulu on March 12, 1926, to parents who immigrated from Japan, Ariyoshi went on to leave a lasting mark on both Hawaii and national politics.
He became the first Asian American elected governor of a U.S. state and helped steer Hawaii through its early decades after statehood, a period shaped by economic change, growth and the development of key public institutions.
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During World War II, Ariyoshi served as a Japanese‑English interpreter with the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Service.
He later earned degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan Law School before committing his career to public service.
Ariyoshi's political path included service in the Territorial Legislature and the Hawaii State Senate, as well as serving as lieutenant governor before assuming the governorship and later winning the role in his own right.
Known for his measured, disciplined approach to leadership, he was reelected twice and remained active in civic life long after leaving office, according to Green's office.
"Governor Ariyoshi devoted his life to Hawaii with humility, discipline and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the people he served," Green said.
"He led our state during a pivotal moment with quiet strength and integrity, and his legacy as a trailblazer and public servant will endure for generations," the governor continued. "Our hearts are with his family and loved ones."
West Virginia
West Virginia is observing a multiday half‑staff order.
Republican Governor Patrick Morrisey directed U.S. and West Virginia flags at the Capitol Complex and state facilities statewide to be flown at half‑staff in honor of former Congressman McKinley, who died on April 17 at age 79.
During his more than 50-year political career, McKinley served in the West Virginia Legislature and then in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was also the chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party from 1990 to 1994 and contributed to the state's Republican ties.
During his time in Congress, he was the lead sponsor on nearly 30 bills and advocated for West Virginia's energy workers.
A Wheeling native, McKinley earned a civil engineering degree from Purdue University and went on to establish McKinley Architecture and Engineering in 1981, according to an online obituary.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Gerkin McKinley, along with four children and six grandchildren.
"Denise and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman David McKinley, who dedicated his life to serving the people of West Virginia," Morrisey said in a news release.
"From the House of Delegates to the United States Congress, David worked to move our state forward and made a real difference for those he represented. On behalf of the First Lady and myself, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Mary, the entire McKinley family, and all who knew and loved him. His contributions to West Virginia will stand the test of time."
Flags were lowered at noon on April 20 and are scheduled to remain at half‑staff through sunset on April 27.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, flags were ordered lowered beginning on Thursday.
Republican Governor Kevin Stitt directed all American and Oklahoma flags on state property to be flown at half‑staff in honor of LeMay, who was killed in the line of duty.
The deputy was shot and killed while responding to a welfare check, the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation told local news outlets.
"Deputy LeMay served his community with courage, commitment, and honor. His loss is deeply felt across our entire state. Sarah and I are praying for his family, friends, loved ones, and community," Stitt said in a news release.
"His dedication to serving his community and our state reflects the very best of Oklahoma. In lowering the flags across state properties, we honor Deputy LeMay's memory and brave service," he continued.
The order runs from April 23 through 5 p.m. on April 27.
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