Why are Flags At Half-staff in South Carolina?
Flags Lowered in Honor of John W. Parris
Greenville, South Carolina – On Saturday, July 27, residents of South Carolina noted a significant gesture of grief and respect as flags across the state were lowered to half-staff. Governor Henry McMaster ordered the symbolic lowering in honor of John W. Parris, whose long service and legacy to the state are held in high esteem.
According to a press release, Parris is being honored “in recognition of his extraordinary legacy and lifetime of service to the State of South Carolina, including as a conservationist, teacher of farmers young and old, leader of agricultural innovation, and Executive Director of the South Carolina Land Resources Commission.”
Flying Flags at Half-staff: The Duration and Locations
As a display of tribute, South Carolina flags were at half-staff from sunrise to sundown on that particular Saturday. Governor McMaster specified that the State Capitol building was amongst the locations where the flags would be flown at half-staff. In addition, he requested that all state buildings and buildings belonging to the state’s political subdivisions similarly lower their flags to half-staff.
Symbolic Meaning of Half-staff Flags
For those wondering why flags are flown at half-staff, Usa.gov provides some insight. The American flag is typically flown at half-staff when the nation or a state is in mourning. The authority to order flags to half-staff rests with the President, a state governor, or the Mayor of the District of Columbia. There are primarily three reasons why flags would be at half-staff:
- The passing of a government official, military personnel, or an emergency first responder.
- In the event of a national tragedy.
- On Memorial day and other national days of remembrance.
Half-staff or Half-mast?
One common question pertains to the use of the terms ‘half-mast’ and ‘half-staff’. As per previous reports, when at sea or naval stations, the term used is ‘half-mast’. However, on land and non-naval locations, ‘half-staff’ is the term commonly used to indicate lowered flags.
Conclusion
The act of lowering flags in South Carolina on July 27 was a fitting tribute to the extraordinary legacy left by Parris. His impact on the state significantly testifies to the importance of conservation, farming education, and agricultural innovation—a fitting tribute to an individual who dedicated his life to serving South Carolina.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
