The difference between half-staff and half-mast depends on where the flag flies. The terms are often used interchangeably, but half-staff refers to a flag hanging halfway up on a flag pole on land, while half-mast pertains to a flag flying halfway up the mast on a ship at sea.

He is survived by two adult children, a sister and a brother. Rodish is the 194th Caltrans worker to lose their life on the job since 1921.

Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the gesture in memory of a California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) employee. Here's what to know about the half-staff flags and the Californians they honor.

U.S. flags typically fly at half-staff in the wake of national tragedies or after the deaths of government officials, military members, or first responders. They also fly half-staff during Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance.

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The Flag: Togo emoji is a flag sequence combining 🇹 Regional Indicator Symbol Letter T and 🇬 Regional Indicator Symbol Letter G. These display as a single emoji on supported platforms.

“Jennifer and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death today of Caltrans worker Alexander Rodish,” Newsom said in a statement. “A Caltrans employee since 2021, Alexander was a dedicated public servant committed to making our roads safer for all Californians. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and all mourning this terrible tragedy."

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"The United States flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning," USA.gov says. "The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff."

According to Newsom's order, the American flag and the California state flag will fly at half-staff at all buildings, grounds, and military installations in the State of California.

Flags were at half-staff by an executive order from the governor to honor Caltrans equipment operator Alexander Rodish, who died Monday after being struck by a vehicle while working on Interstate 5 in San Clemente.

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