Gov. Bob Ferguson lowers WA flags to honor former VP Dick Cheney

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Wednesday that he is directing flags to be lowered to half-staff in memory of former Vice President Richard “Dick” Cheney.

Cheney, a staunch conservative who served two terms under President George W. Bush, died Nov. 3 at age 84 from complications of cardiac and vascular disease and pneumonia. He’s remembered as a key architect of the Iraq War and the so-called War on Terror following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Ferguson, a Democrat, said in a news release that he is “deeply saddened” by the death of Cheney, whose family is in his thoughts.

U.S. and Washington state flags are directed to be lowered to half-staff immediately at all state agency facilities until sunset or close of business on Cheney’s day of burial. After the date is set, an updated directive will be released. Funeral details had not been released as of Wednesday.

Cheney was a controversial, polarizing figure who brandished enormous power as vice president. Prior to his time as VP, he served as defense secretary in President George H.W. Bush’s administration, also having worked in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. He also represented Wyoming in the U.S. House.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that flags were lowered to half-staff in the nation’s Capitol, although President Donald Trump — who’d previously locked horns with Cheney — has kept mum about his death.

CNN reports that in the 2024 presidential election, Cheney voted for Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, in a final twist to his accomplished political career.

Ferguson noted that businesses, other government entities and individuals are “encouraged to join this recognition” of Cheney’s service by flying their flags at half staff.

This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 11:33 AM.

Simone Carter

The Olympian

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