Across New York State, flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, Governor Kathy Hochul announced last week. Here, one of the Village of Highland Falls’ municipal flags in that position on January 1.

Former President Carter died on December 29 in Plains, Georgia. He was 100. Carter is survived by his children Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, died on November 19, 2023, at age 96.

In many countries flying a flag at half-staff is seen as a symbol of respect, mourning, distress, or, in some cases, a salute. The tradition of flying the flag at half-mast began in the 17th century -- according to some sources, the flag is lowered to make room for an “invisible flag of death” flying above.