Why is the Post Office flying the flag at half mast today?

Because it’s Jackson Pollock’s birthday!

It depends on what state you are in. It can be a local (state) reason.

It could be something local.

edit: Marina beat me.

There’s a good chance that it’s because Charlemagne died on this day in 814. Although this is just one possibility out of many.

Edit: I was joking here, but it might have been too dry.

well, the Post Office is pretty old. But it swears this has never happened before!

John Updike (the great American writer) died yesterday…perhaps that is the reason?

Welcome back, Marina

You’re in North Carolina, right? Seems to be in honor of former Governor Bob Scott, supposedly until the 27th. Maybe your local office didn’t get the memo to stop yesterday?

Thanks, shi. I think you have hit it. Usually it is pols that get honors not writers. :)

Ah, I suspect shilolo is correct (as usual).

I’m going to guess that it’s due to the Challenger space shuttle explosion 23 years ago.

Here’s are the reasons why to fly the flag half staff, in general.

The only thing I can find of national significance on January 27 is the death of the crew of Apollo 1 in a fire during a test.

Haven’t noticed if the flags are flying half-mast in Maryland. Are we sure it’s a NC-only thing?

@robmandu. The press release above seemed to provide a reliable explanation (in honor of former NC governor Bob Scott). Besides, today is the 28th… :-)

WTF? Next you’re gonna tell me it’s 2009. Ppppfffffbbbbttt.

Ummm…memo to all: It’s half staff not half mast. Please flog yourself in accordance with your own religious affiliations guidelines.

hah! Was wondering if anyone’d notice. Still, I’ll flog myself for wrecking this thread so thoroughly anyway.

did you hear they may stop delivering mail on saturdays?

In Illinois:
Governor Quinn has ordered that all State-occupied facilities fly the flag of the United States of America and Illinois flags at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of the funeral of every fallen Illinois soldier. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact CMS General Facilities Manager Michael Dobson at