HALF-STAFF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should the flag be flown at half-staff?
What is the proper procedure to fly your flag at half-staff?
Who can order half-staffing?
What about half-staff to honor other citizens?
What if you can't lower your flag?
HALF-STAFF ALERTS
ENTIRE UNITED STATES: May 26 - 30, 2021 - In Honor of the Victims of the Tragedy in San Jose, California
As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on May 26, 2021, in San Jose, California, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, May 30, 2021. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
Joseph R Biden Jr.
ENTIRE UNITED STATES: May 15, 2021 - Peace Officers Memorial Day And Police Week 2021
A PROCLAMATION ON PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY AND POLICE WEEK, 2021
Every day, we ask a great deal of the men and women of our Nation’s law enforcement agencies; from ensuring public safety, to serving as front-line workers, to responding to incidents involving domestic violence, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and homelessness, often with limited resources. Every morning, our Nation’s law enforcement officers pin on a badge and go to work, not knowing what the day will bring, and hoping to come home safely. This year, even as the COVID-19 pandemic took a physical, mental, and emotional toll, our officers, deputies, and troopers demonstrated courage and dedication in continuing to support our communities. As we recognize Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, we honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty, and thank them on behalf of this grateful Nation for their service.
The economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic has strained State, local, and Tribal budgets — forcing many communities to stretch their funding, consider layoffs, and reduce public services. My Administration will support our Nation’s law enforcement agencies and officers and work to ensure they have the resources and research tools they need to do their jobs successfully and the funding necessary to enhance officer safety and wellness, including improving access to mental health services. We will also continue to bolster initiatives that protect our law enforcement officers’ physical safety — including those that provide for bulletproof vests and active shooter training.
This year, we also recognize that in many of our communities, especially Black and brown communities, there is a deep sense of distrust towards law enforcement; a distrust that has been exacerbated by the recent deaths of several Black and brown people at the hands of law enforcement. These deaths have resulted in a profound fear, trauma, pain, and exhaustion for many Black and brown Americans, and the resulting breakdown in trust between law enforcement and the communities they have sworn to protect and serve ultimately makes officers’ jobs harder and more dangerous as well. In order to rebuild that trust, our State, local, and Federal Government and law enforcement agencies must protect constitutional rights, ensure accountability for misconduct, and embrace policing that reflects community values and ensures community safety. These approaches benefit those who wear the badge and those who count on their protection. We must also stop tasking law enforcement with problems that are far beyond their jurisdictions. From providing emergency health care to resolving school discipline issues, our communities rely on the police to perform services that often should be the duty of other institutions. We then accuse the police of failure when responsibility lies with public policy choices they did not make. Supporting our law enforcement officers requires that we invest in underfunded public systems that provide health care, counseling, housing, education, and other social services. There are many ways we can demonstrate appreciation for our law enforcement heroes. We recognize acts of bravery through the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor and the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery.
We must also acknowledge the challenge and value of their service through the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017 and the Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis Act of 2019. Should tragedy strike, Public Safety Officers’ benefits must be available for the families of officers who lose their lives or are catastrophically injured in the line of duty. This country asks much of our Federal, State, Tribal, and local police officers and deputies, and it is our solemn responsibility to ensure that those who protect and serve have the training, resources, and support they need to do their jobs well. My Administration will do everything we can to support the men and women who so courageously protect us. By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week in which it falls as “Police Week.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2021, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 9 through May 15, 2021, as Police Week. I call upon all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I further encourage all Americans to display the flag from their homes and businesses on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
KENTUCKY: May 15, 2021 - In honor of a Kentucky sailor who was killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, May 15, in honor of a Kentucky sailor who was killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, but whose remains were only identified last fall. Navy Fireman 2nd Class Martin D. Young of Hawesville, Kentucky, died in the attack on Dec. 7, 1941. Read more here. Fireman Young will be interred in Lewisport on Saturday. All individuals, businesses, organizations, and government agencies are encouraged to join in this tribute of lowering the flag to honor Fireman Young.
WISCONSIN: May 14, 2021 - In Honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans
Wisconsin Governor Evers has ordered that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds, and military installations of the State of Wisconsin, beginning at sunrise on May 14, 2021, and ending at sunset on that date in honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans.
TEXAS: May 12, 2021 through Interment (Unknown) - Concho County - in honor of County Constable and Deputy Sheriff Stephen Jones and Deputy Sheriff Samuel Leonard.
Texas Governor Abbott is allowing U.S. & Texas flags at all Concho County buildings, facilities, and offices to be lowered May 12, 2021 through interment (unknown) to half-staff in honor of County Constable and Deputy Sheriff Stephen Jones and Deputy Sheriff Samuel Leonard.
Dear Judge Dillard:
In response to your request and pursuant to Chapter 3100 of the Texas Government Code and Title 4 of the U.S. Code (4 U.S.C. § 1 et seq), flags of the State of Texas and the United States of America at all Concho County buildings, facilities, and offices may be lowered immediately to half-staff in honor of County Constable and Deputy Sheriff Stephen Jones and Deputy Sheriff Samuel Leonard, who were killed in the line of duty. Flags should return to full-staff at sunset on the day of the latest funeral service, once it is set by the family. Individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other political subdivisions and entities in the surrounding area and region may fly flags at half-staff for the same period as a sign of honor and respect. The First Lady and I extend our prayers of comfort to the families of Deputy Jones and Deputy Leonard during their time of grief. I urge all Texans to remember and honor their public service to the State of Texas as dedicated law enforcement professionals.
Respectfully, Greg Abbott Governor
CONNECTICUT: May 12, 2021 through Interment (unknown) - In Honor of New Haven Firefighter Ricardo Torress Jr.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff in honor of New Haven Firefighter Ricardo Torres, Jr., who died in the line of duty while responding to a residential fire early this morning. Flags should be lowered immediately and remain lowered until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been determined. Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time. “On behalf of the State of Connecticut, I send my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of New Haven Firefighter Ricardo Torres, Jr.,” Governor Lamont said.
“Today’s tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that firefighters face each and every day when responding to emergencies. Firefighter Torres is a hero, who dedicated his life to the safety of the people of New Haven. My thoughts are also with the firefighters who were injured while responding to this emergency, and I pray for their speedy recovery.” “We grieve for the tragic loss of Firefighter Torres,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “He sacrificed his life for the lives of others. His bravery and courage in service to his community and our state will always be remembered. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and the New Haven Fire Department.”
The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when flags should be returned to full-staff.
DELAWARE: May 11-18, 2021 - In Honor of Former Governor Pierre Samuel
Delaware Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag to be lowered Tuesday, May 11, 2021, to honor former Governor Pierre Samuel “Pete” du Pont IV, who passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021. Flags are to remain at half-staff for one week, and are to be returned to full staff at the close of business on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. Governor Carney on Saturday released the following statement: “Delaware lost a real leader today. Governor Pete du Pont served a single term in the Delaware House of Representatives before representing Delawareans for six years in the U.S. Congress, and going on to serve two terms as Governor. As Governor, he found ways to work across the aisle to address an immediate fiscal crisis and make Delaware more competitive economically. He championed sound fiscal practices, including creating the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council, that have served Delaware well for decades. Working with members of the General Assembly, he signed legislation that helped create the financial services industry in our state, which continues to employ thousands of Delawareans. Governor du Pont was a good and decent man who loved Delaware. Tracey and I are praying for his wife Elise, There, Ben, Pierre, Elise and their entire family.”
