Flags at applicable public buildings in Boston are being lowered to half-staff following the death of United States Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 and previously represented South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Graham died on July 11, 2026, at the age of 71. Following his death, Gov. Maura T. Healey ordered the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag lowered to half-staff beginning immediately on July 13, 2026, and continuing until 6 p.m. on July 18, 2026. The directive follows a presidential proclamation issued on July 13 marking Graham’s death.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 2, Section 6A, the Commonwealth flag is flown at half-staff at state institutions, state-owned or state-controlled buildings, and state military installations whenever the national flag is ordered to half-staff, and for the same period of time.
The order applies to the main or administrative building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, as well as other state-owned or state-controlled buildings and all state military installations. In Boston, the directive affects applicable state facilities and public buildings where the flags are displayed.
Graham served more than two decades in the U.S. Senate after previously serving three terms in the U.S. House. During his congressional career, he became known for his work on national security, foreign policy, and judicial issues.
The flags will remain at half-staff through 6 p.m. on July 18, 2026.
