Dick Cheney’s Final Honors – Solemn 7-Day Tribute

Nation Pays Respects as Flags Fly at Half-Staff for Former Vice President

American flags across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the entire nation are flying at half-staff this week in a solemn tribute to former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away on November 3. The flags will remain lowered until sunset on November 20, the day of his funeral, as ordered by governors including Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro and Delaware’s Matt Meyer.

Cheney, a central and powerful figure in modern American politics, died at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and cardiac disease, according to his family.

A Complex Legacy and a Divided Response

Best known as the chief architect of the “War on Terror” during his eight years as vice president under George W. Bush, Cheney was a formidable and often divisive force. His tenure was marked by the push to invade Iraq in 2003, a move that cemented his reputation as one of the most influential vice presidents in history.

In later years, his political journey took a dramatic turn as he became a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, particularly following the January 6th Capitol insurrection. This rift was so profound that Cheney publicly stated he voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. While the White House quietly lowered flags on November 4, former President Trump has not publicly commented on Cheney’s death.

Funeral Arrangements and Public Viewing

The state funeral for Dick Cheney is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on November 20, 2025, at the historic Washington National Cathedral. The service is by invitation only; however, the public will have the opportunity to watch the proceedings online. As of November 16, it is not yet publicly known where Cheney will be buried or if he will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, an honor that is under review by Republican leadership, as reported by The Hill.

Former President George W. Bush is confirmed to speak at the service, alongside Cheney’s daughter, Liz Cheney, and his grandchildren.

Half-Staff vs. Half-Mast: What’s the Difference?

A common point of confusion is the terminology. The phrase half-staff is used when referring to flags on land, like those at government buildings. The term half-mast is correctly used for flags flying on ships or at naval stations.

Who Was Dick Cheney? A Snapshot

• Military Service: Cheney did not serve in the military. During the Vietnam War, he received five draft deferments, later stating he had “other priorities than military service.”
• Political Career: Before his vice presidency, he served as White House Chief of Staff, a U.S. Representative from Wyoming, and Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush.

• Personal Life: He was married to Lynne Cheney, with whom he had two daughters, Liz and Mary. In a notable shift, the longtime conservative later supported same-sex marriage, which he attributed to his daughter Mary being openly gay.

This period of national mourning allows the country to reflect on the profound and complex legacy of a man who shaped American foreign policy for a generation.