Bylaws

The Decree to Raise the Official Flags of Puerto Rico and the United States is issued at a state funeral, such as the death of a former Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Likewise, decrees may be issued upon the death of public officials, artistic, cultural and civic figures.

The Decrees are issued as an expression of mourning and it is the Governor of Puerto Rico, who alone "authorizes or disposes" to lower the Official Flags of Puerto Rico to fly at half mast (Regulation Number 5282, Article 22). Likewise, when the President of the United States issues a National mourning in all the States and Territories; in Puerto Rico, the Governor issues a decree joining the Presidential Decree.

It is the Secretary of State of Puerto Rico who evaluates and recommends to the Governor the consideration of the number of days, which may be from 1 to 5 days, or if it is a State Funeral, the recommended number is 30 days. In the event that the Legislative Assembly or the Mayors of the Municipalities recommend the issuance of a decree, it is submitted to the Governor for his consideration so that the order may be issued. Occasionally, in the event that the request for a decree does not apply, the recommendation to the Mayors is to lower the flag of their municipality to half-mast. The decrees are listed below;

Date
Bylaw
Description

Fecha

20/11/2022

Decreto

One day of mourning honoring the death of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, Michel O. Maceda.

Descripcción

On November 21, flags at all government agencies were ordered to fly half mast in honor of officer Maceda who died in the line of duty during an intervention on the coast of Cabo Rojo on November 17.

Fecha

3/4/2022

Decreto

A day of mourning for the death of Dr. Antonio Santiago "Chago" Vázquez

Descripcción

It was ordered that tomorrow, April 4, the day on which the burial of Dr. Antonio Sangiago will take place, all flags of public buildings will fly at half mast.

Fecha

22/3/2022

Decreto

One day of mourning for the death of former representative Samuel Cepeda García

Descripcción

It was ordered that tomorrow, March 23, the day on which his burial will take place, all flags on public buildings will fly at half-mast.

Fecha

25/9/2021

Decreto

A day of mourning for the death of musician Roberto Roena

Descripcción

Flags to fly at half-mast for the passing of legendary Puerto Rican salsa artist and music director Roberto Roena

Fecha

17/9/2021

Decreto

In honor of Puerto Rican veterans

Descripcción

Flags to fly at half-mast in honor of Puerto Rican veterans

Fecha

10/9/2021

Decreto

Commemoration of September 11

Descripcción

Flags to fly at half-mast in commemoration of September 11, 2021

Fecha

3/9/2021

Decreto

A day of mourning for the death of journalist Efren Arroyo

Descripcción

In memory of the death of journalist Efrén Arroyo

Fecha

3/5/2021

Decreto

Thirty (30) days of mourning for the death of former Governor Carlos Romero Barceló

Descripcción

In memory of a great leader and public servant: Mr. Carlos Romero Barceló

Fecha

20/1/2021

Decreto

Two days of mourning for the death of religious leader

Descripcción

On the death of the spiritual leader of Congregación Mita, Aarón (Teófilo Vargas Seín)

Fecha

12/1/2021

Decreto

Three days of mourning for police officer deaths

Descripcción

In memory of state officer Luis Marrero Díaz, and municipal officers Luis Salamán Conde and Eliezer Hernández Cartagena who died in the line of duty.

Fecha

12/1/2021

Decreto

Three (3) days of mourning for the death of police officer

Descripcción

In memory of Agent Erasmo García Torres