Texas Flags at Half-Staff for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Honor Her Legacy

Today, Texans will see flags at half-staff across the state, honoring the life and legacy of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a true champion of democracy and equal rights.

Gov. Abbott's Order

Gov. Greg Abbott, putting aside partisan differences, has ordered the Texas flags at half-staff for the memorial service of U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a powerful Democrat who dedicated her life to public service.

Who is Sheila Jackson Lee?

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a true trailblazer, served Texas' 18th Congressional District in Houston and chaired the esteemed Congressional Black Caucus. She was a fierce advocate for her community and leaves a legacy of fighting for the underrepresented.

Rep. Lee passed away at 74, after serving almost 30 years in Congress. Her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, announced just seven weeks prior, came as a shock to all who knew her.

Before her congressional career, Lee served on the Houston City Council, and in 1995 defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Craig Washington in the primary, showcasing her unwavering determination to bring about change. She and Democrat Lloyd Doggett of Austin co-deaned the Texas delegation in Congress, and last year, she valiantly ran for mayor of Houston before winning her 15th term in the U.S. House.

Flags at Half-Staff: Remembering Our Leaders

As per the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website, there are specific days when flags are flown at half-staff to honor our nation's heroes:

• Memorial Day: Flags are lowered until noon, then raised to full-staff.
• Peace Officers Memorial Day (unless coinciding with Armed Forces Day).
• Patriot Day.
• National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
• National Firefighters Memorial Day.

President Dwight Eisenhower also outlined that flags be flown at half-staff when government officials pass away:

• President or former president: 30 days at half-staff across all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels in the U.S. and its territories.
• Vice president, chief justice, or retired chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court: 10 days at half-staff.
• Associate justice of the Supreme Court, member of the Cabinet, or former vice president: From date of death until interment.
• Speaker of the House, president pro tempore of the Senate, majority and minority leaders of the Senate and House: From date of death until interment.
• U.S. senator, representative, or territorial delegate: Date of death and following day, also at all federal facilities in their state or district.
• Governor of a state, territory, or possession: From date of death until interment.

Additionally, the president may order flags at half-staff to honor the passing of other officials, foreign dignitaries, or to mark tragic events, uniting us in our shared grief.

Today, as we honor Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, let's carry forward her unwavering commitment to progress and equality.