Flags are being flown at half-staff in Michigan, North Carolina, and South Carolina to honor individuals who have served their communities and country. This act of mourning and remembrance involves lowering the American flag to recognize those who have made significant contributions.
North Carolina Honors Fort Bragg Soldiers
In North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein directed U.S. and state flags at state facilities to be flown at half-staff through sunset Friday. This tribute honors 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan and Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, both of whom were killed while serving in the Middle East. They were part of the ongoing U.S. military mission that supports regional partners, conducts counterterrorism operations against Islamic State remnants, and defends U.S. personnel and facilities from Iran-backed militant groups.
Feehan, from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, was killed in Jordan on July 18. He served as an Air Defense Artillery Officer with the 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Bragg, renamed Fort Liberty from 2023 to 2025. Swinton, a Fayetteville native, was killed in Iraq on July 19. He was an air defense early warning system operator, having enlisted in 2017. Governor Stein expressed the state’s sorrow, saying, “Each made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms, and we owe them a debt of gratitude we cannot adequately repay.”
Michigan Pays Tribute to Sergeant Adam Amrozi
Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered flags to be lowered for Sergeant Adam Amrozi, who died in the line of duty. Amrozi contributed over 21 years of service with the Lincoln Park Fire Department and was previously with the Riverview Fire Department. Whitmer described him as “a proud family man and dedicated public servant” and encouraged residents, businesses, and local institutions to participate in the tribute by flying flags at half-staff.
South Carolina’s Ongoing Tribute
South Carolina continues to honor Lindsey Graham, who passed away on July 11, 2026. Flags atop the State Capitol remain at half-staff by order of the governor, praising Graham’s “extraordinary legacy and lifetime of dedicated service.” The directive asks state buildings and political subdivisions to follow suit.
Understanding Half-Staff Protocol
U.S. flag etiquette involves raising the flag briskly to the top of the pole before lowering it to half-staff. At day’s end, it is raised briefly to full staff before being lowered completely.
Future Observances
In North Carolina, the tribute for the soldiers will expire at sunset Friday. Michigan’s observance for Sergeant Amrozi is also limited to Friday. South Carolina’s order is ongoing and will last until a subsequent directive is issued.