Ohio Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Cleveland Fire Cadet Symeon Williams
Columbus, Ohio – In a solemn gesture of respect, Governor Mike DeWine ordered that all U.S. and Ohio state flags be flown at half-staff to honor Cleveland Fire Cadet Symeon Williams, who tragically passed away following a medical emergency during training.
The directive, announced on May 17, applies specifically to Cuyahoga County, the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower. However, other public buildings across Ohio may lower their flags at their own discretion.
This tribute will remain in effect until sunset on the day of Cadet Williams’ funeral, the date of which is yet to be announced.
Who Can Order Flags at Half-Staff?
Only the Governor of a state or the Mayor of Washington, D.C. has the authority to lower flags to half-staff for official periods of mourning.
Why Are Flags Lowered to Half-Staff?
Flags are flown at half-staff to honor the death of public servants, including military personnel, firefighters, and government officials, or during periods of national grief, such as Memorial Day, Patriot Day, or Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Half-Staff vs. Half-Mast: What’s the Difference?
“Half-staff” is used for flags on land, while “half-mast” refers to those on naval vessels. While terminology differs, both honor fallen heroes and national tragedies.
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