(The Center Square) – Flags should fly at full staff in South Carolina, by order of Gov. Henry McMaster, for Monday’s presidential inauguration then return to half-staff honoring former President Jimmy Carter.
President-elect Donald Trump prefers all flags to go up for the day. Deaths of American presidents are usually followed by a 30-day window nationwide with flags lowered in honor, according to the U.S. flag code.
McMaster, in his executive order on Wednesday, cited the actions of previous presidents and ultimately said the flag code does not include all situations. He noted Inauguration Day to be one of celebration and unity, and said his attempt is to “harmonize applicable statutes.”
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, rather than observe the 30-day window, ordered half-staff through the Jan. 9 memorial ceremony for Carter. Flags in the state have been up for a week.
The question is not a first. President Richard Nixon in February 1973 made a one-day exception after President Lyndon Johnson’s death because of the first American prisoners of war being released from Vietnam.
Other Republican governors who have opted to raise flags for Inauguration Day and then return to half-staff honoring Carter are in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, will raise flags in California for the day.
Republican Gov. Brian Kemp of Carter’s home state of Georgia has not issued a release indicating change of lack thereof. Other Republican state leaders without a move, at time of publication, are Gov. Jeff Landy in Louisiana, Gov. Kelly Ayotte in New Hampshire, Gov. Phil Scott in Vermont, Gov. Glenn Youngkin in Virginia, and Gov. Patrick Morrisey in West Virginia.
Twenty-seven states and two territories have Republican governors. Twenty-three states and two territories have Democratic governors.
The 30-day window in honor of Carter runs through Jan. 28.
