Why Arizona Flags Were Lowered
In honor of Maj. Gen. David P. Rataczak.
When the Arizona Half-Staff Order Began and Ended
Use the exact end boundary above. A flag may return to full-staff at sunset, noon, a stated clock time, or another named event. If the end is not confirmed, open the source before acting.
Where the Arizona Half-Staff Order Applied
Arizona statewide as specified in the order
- Facilities
- State
- U.S. flag
- Affected
- State flag
- Not stated
- Private display
- Advisory
What This Half-Staff Order Means for Flag Owners
Follow the Locations Named in This Order
An order can cover federal property, all state facilities, one building, or another named place. Do not expand a limited order beyond the stored scope.
Return Flags to Full-Staff at the Stated Time
Use the end date and boundary above. Before raising the flag, confirm that a newer federal or state half-staff order has not taken effect.
Check for a Newer Half-Staff Order
This detail page preserves one directive. It does not make an old order current, so use today’s status page for the latest operational answer.
Official Source and Evidence for This Half-Staff Order
Flags should be lowered from sunrise to sunset on Monday, June 22. Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on June 22, 2026, in honor of the interment of retired Maj. Gen. David P. Rataczak, who served as Arizona Adjutant General and Director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs from June 1999 to December 2008. A funeral service is scheduled for June 22; he passed away on June 5 at the age of 81. Maj. Gen. Rataczak began his military career ( https://www.nationalguard.mil/portals/31/Features/ngbgomo/bio/6/616.html ) by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1965. After completing aviation training, he was assigned to the 334th Armed Helicopter Company, First Aviation Brigade, in Vietnam. There, he flew more than 1,000 combat hours. After his active duty service, Maj. Gen. Rataczak was appointed as an officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard before transferring to the Arizona Army National Guard in 1982, where he served in a variety of roles, including as Commander, 385th Aviation Group, and Chief of Staff, Arizona Army National Guard. In 1996, he was appointed as the Assistant Adjutant General, Army, before being appointed Adjutant General in June 1999. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 37 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and Vietnam Campaign Medal, among many others. Governor Hobbs issued the following statement: “I’m sending my deep condolences to Major General Rataczak’s family and extending my gratitude for his decades of service. I know Arizonans join me in honoring his leadership and his legacy.” Individuals, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute. For more information on half-staff orders in Arizona or to sign up for notifications, visit az.gov/half-staff-notices ( https://az.gov/half-staff-notices ).
The linked government page remains the authoritative version.
Arizona Half-Staff Order Questions
Is the Honoring Maj. Gen. David P. Rataczak order still active?
This record is marked ended. Its stored effective period begins June 22, 2026 and ends June 22, 2026. Check the current status page before changing a flag.
Does this Arizona half-staff order apply to homes and businesses?
Only if the notice says so. Government orders usually direct named public facilities and may separately invite private citizens, businesses, and organizations to participate. Check “Private display” in the scope above and read the source when it is not stated.
Which flags and locations did this order cover?
Use the scope cards above. They separate the facility type, geographic area, U.S. flag, state flag, and private-display guidance retained from the notice.
Where can I verify this half-staff order?
Use the official-source link on this page. The government notice remains authoritative if it differs from this normalized record.