In accordance with the United States Flag Code and the State of Illinois Flag Display Act, only the President of the United States and the Governor of the State of Illinois have the authority to direct the lowering of the United States flag and the Illinois flag.

Through the US Flag Code, the United States flag should be flown at half-staff to mark a period of mourning or remembrance:

• Upon the death of a government official, military member, first responder, or other public figure
• To recognize national tragedies
• To honor national days of remembrance on days like Memorial Day, and other days of remembrance.

In addition to the above, through the Illinois Flag Display Act, the Office of Governor of the State of Illinois may direct the lowering of the United States flag and the Illinois flag for every member of:

• The Armed Forces
• Police Force
• Fire Service
• Other groups covered by the Act who were killed in the line of duty

The links below provide more information about the lowering of the flag: 

• The American flag and other national symbols - Official US Government website
• Presidential Proclamations - Official US Government website
• Flag Honors – State of Illinois website
• Sign up for Flag Honor alerts on the State of Illinois’ website (Under "Areas of Interest" select "Specific Subjects/Agencies", then "Flag Honors")