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Why American Flags Are Half-Staff: Honoring Maj. Brad Hovey
Iowa Is Lowering Its Flags to Remember a Fallen Hero
What’s the Big News?
The Office of the Governor of Iowa (that’s the team led by the state’s boss, Governor Kim Reynolds, and her helper, Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer) shared a message on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
They told everyone that Governor Reynolds has asked for flags across Iowa to be lowered to half-staff (which means the flag is pulled halfway down the flagpole) to honor and remember a brave pilot named U.S. Air Force Maj. Brad Hovey.
Important Point (Media Contact): If news reporters have questions, they can call Heather Nahas at (515) 415-8303 or email heather.nahas@governor.iowa.gov.
Who Was Maj. Brad Hovey?
- He was an Iowa native (born and raised in Iowa).
- He was a pilot (someone who flies planes) in the 419th Flight Test Squadron (a group that tries out and checks military airplanes) at Edwards Air Force Base (a big military airport) in California.
- He died on June 15, 2026, while doing a test flight in a B-52 (a large military airplane) for his job.
When Will the Flags Be Lowered?
The Governor ordered that flags in Iowa should be at half-staff:
- Starting at sunrise on Friday, July 10, 2026 (when the sun comes up).
- Staying that way until sunset on Friday, July 17, 2026 (when the sun goes down).
Callout – Important: That’s a full week of flags being halfway down to show respect for Maj. Hovey.
Where Will This Happen?
- On the State Capitol Building (the main building where Iowa’s leaders work) and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex (the group of buildings nearby).
- On all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state (like city halls, state schools, parks, etc.).
What Did the Governor Say?
Governor Kim Reynolds shared these exact words:
“Maj. Brad Hovey lived and served with honor and distinction, and we are forever grateful for his service. My family’s prayers remain with Maj. Hovey’s wife and children, parents, brothers, and in-laws, as they prepare to lay their loved one to rest. As a state, we grieve his loss together, and we stand united in our support of his family.”
In simple words: The Governor said Maj. Hovey was a good and brave person, and we should thank him for his work. She is thinking of his family and feels sad together with everyone in Iowa, and wants to help his family.
How Can Everyone Join In?
Even if you’re not a government building, you can help show respect. The Governor encourages (kindly asks) these groups to fly their flags at half-staff for the same time:
- Individuals (regular people)
- Businesses (shops, companies)
- Schools
- Municipalities (towns and cities)
- Counties (big areas of the state)
- Other government subdivisions (smaller local government offices)
Simple Steps to Lower Your Flag (If You Have One)
- At sunrise on July 10, 2026, lower your flag to the middle of the pole.
- Leave it there until sunset on July 17, 2026.
- After sunset on July 17, raise it back to the top.
Stay Connected with the Office of the Governor of Iowa
You can follow them online to get more news:
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About This Notice
This message was sent by email to feeds-in@halfstaff.org using a system called Granicus Communications Cloud (a tool that sends official emails) on behalf of:
State of Iowa
1007 E Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50319
The original source of this news is the Iowa Governor’s website:
Official Release Link
Summary
To wrap it up: Iowa’s Governor Kim Reynolds has asked for all flags in the state to be lowered halfway down their poles from sunrise July 10 to sunset July 17, 2026. This is to honor Maj. Brad Hovey, an Iowa-born Air Force pilot who died in a plane test accident on June 15, 2026. Government buildings will do this, and everyone else is invited to join. The Governor shared kind words for his family, and you can follow the state government online for more updates.
FAQ
1. What does “half-staff” mean?
It means the flag is lowered to the halfway point of the flagpole instead of the top. It’s like a visual tip of the hat to show we are sad and respectful.
2. Who was Maj. Brad Hovey?
He was a pilot from Iowa who worked for the U.S. Air Force testing planes. He died during a test flight in a B-52 airplane on June 15, 2026.
3. Do I have to lower my flag at home?
No, it’s not a rule for regular people, but the Governor encourages everyone—families, businesses, schools—to do it if they have a flag, just to show they care.
4. Why is the flag lowered for a whole week?
Because the Governor wants the state to remember and honor Maj. Hovey together for several days, from July 10 to July 17, 2026.
5. Where can I read the original message?
You can visit the Iowa Governor’s website at the link provided in the “About This Notice” section above.
