American flags may be flown at half-staff today for a variety of reasons, including national remembrance, mourning for fallen public servants, or honoring victims of tragedies. Determining the exact reason requires checking current proclamations from the President or your state’s Governor.
Reasons for Half-Staff Flags
Flags are flown at half-staff as a sign of respect and mourning. Some common reasons include:
National Days of Remembrance
- Patriot Day (September 11): Flags are lowered annually on September 11th to remember the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks.
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7): Flags are flown at half-staff to honor those who perished in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
- Memorial Day (Last Monday of May): Flags are lowered to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Death of a Public Figure
- Presidents and Former Presidents: Upon the death of a U.S. President or former President, flags are typically flown at half-staff for a period of mourning.
- Other Government Officials: The death of prominent government officials, such as Supreme Court Justices or members of Congress, may also lead to flags being lowered.
- Fallen Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters: Flags may be lowered to honor law enforcement officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty, often coinciding with Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.
National Tragedies
- Mass Shootings and Acts of Violence: Following mass shootings or other national tragedies, flags are often lowered as a sign of respect for the victims.
- Natural Disasters: In the wake of significant natural disasters, flags may be flown at half-staff to acknowledge the loss of life and suffering.
State and Local Events
- Death of State or Local Officials: Flags may be lowered at the state or local level to mourn the death of a public servant.
- State-Specific Days of Remembrance: Some states may have their own designated days of remembrance where flags are flown at half-staff.
How to Find Out Why Flags Are at Half-Staff
The most reliable sources for determining why flags are at half-staff today are:
- The White House: Presidential proclamations regarding flag lowering are posted on the White House website.
- State Governor’s Office: Each state’s governor’s office will issue proclamations for state-specific flag lowering. These are often found on the governor’s official website or through press releases.
Staying Informed
It’s important to stay informed about flag etiquette and respect the reasons behind lowering the flag. Regularly checking official sources will ensure you’re aware of any current flag statuses.
