HALF-STAFF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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HALF-STAFF ALERTS
ENTIRE UNITED STATES: September 11, 2021 - Patriot Day
National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2021
SEPTEMBER 10, 2021
Twenty years ago, the United States endured one of the most unconscionable tragedies in our country’s history. The cowardly terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and onboard United Flight 93 cut short the lives of 2,977 innocent people. These attacks tore a hole in the heart of our Nation, and the pain of this tragedy still remains. Each year on this somber date, we remember the horror and bravery shown that day, just as we remember how we came together, united in grief and in purpose. Each year, we renew our solemn vow to never forget what happened on September 11, 2001, or those who lost their lives.
On Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, we honor every life that was taken too soon. We honor the first responders — firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency workers, and service members — who answered the call of duty, and the brave civilians who rushed into action to save lives that day. Their courage embodies the American spirit and resilience, and their heroism continues to inspire new generations of Americans.
My mother used to say that “courage lies in every heart, and one day it will be summoned.” It was summoned and shown by those who responded to the events on 9/11. First responders, emergency workers, and civilians ran to where the devastation was the greatest, where death came in an instant but where there were survivors to be found; a determined group of heroes onboard United Flight 93 sacrificed their lives to save the lives of others — in every case, Americans faced the unimaginable with resolve and courage. Today and every day, we draw hope from the strength and selflessness of those who stepped up to serve their fellow man and our Nation on that tragic day.
We also remember the patriotism and valor of our service members who pursued our attackers, delivered justice to Osama bin Laden, and degraded al-Qa’ida. We will keep our sacred obligation to care for our service members and veterans who served in Afghanistan over the last 20 years, as well as their families, caregivers, and survivors.
Over the last two decades the American people have demonstrated that the harder the circumstances, the more resilient and stronger we become. Our shared love of country and our shared values — regardless of race, gender, religion, origin, or economic status — unite us as Americans against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Today, on this Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, we move forward as one Nation, united by our common goal of liberty and justice for all. We remember those killed on September 11, 2001, and honor them through acts of service. I encourage all Americans to visit americorps.gov/911-day to learn about and seek opportunities to serve others on this day and to demonstrate once again that the ideals we hold, which many have tried to attack and destroy, are the very bonds that hold us together — even tighter in times of peril.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day,” and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized “National Day of Service and Remembrance.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2021, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. I invite the Governors of the United States and its Territories and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance. I call upon the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
tenth day of September, 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-sixth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
NEW JERSEY: September 1, 2021 - In recognition and mourning of Assemblyman Nicholas R. Felice.
September 1, 2021 - Half-Staff Alert - New Jersey Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 257, ordering the flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, in recognition and mourning of Assemblyman Nicholas R. Felice.
OHIO: August 28, 2021 - September 3, 2021 - In honor of the life and service of Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak
In honor of the life and service of Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, of Berlin Heights, Ohio, Governor DeWine today ordered that all flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Erie County and at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus from today until sunset on Friday, September 3, 2021. The order will also be effective on the days of Hospitalman Soviak's viewing and funeral. All other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may fly the U.S. and Ohio flags at half-staff at their discretion for the same time period. The Department of Defense confirmed today that Hospitalman Soviak, who was assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California, was one of 13 service members killed on Thursday as the result of an enemy attack while supporting non-combatant evacuation operations in Kabul, Afghanistan.
ENTIRE UNITED STATES: August 26 - 30, 2021 - Honoring the Victims of the Attack in Kabul, Afghanistan
A Proclamation Honoring the Victims of the Attack in Kabul, Afghanistan
AUGUST 26, 2021 - PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS
As a mark of respect for the U.S. service members and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on August 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan, 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, August 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 August, 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.
RHODE ISLAND: August 25-26, 2021 - In Honor of Former State Representative William L
Governor McKee orders the Rhode Island flag to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in honor of former state Representative William L. “Bud” Alves, of West Warwick.
NEW YORK: August 25-30, 2021 - In honor of Police Trooper James J.Monda
New York "I am devastated by the news of the passing of New York State Police Trooper James J. Monda, an 18-year veteran of the Division who died in the line of duty while on marine detail on the Great Sacandaga Lake Sunday. Our Troopers serve and protect the citizens of the State and when we lose a member, we lose a piece of the community. I extend prayers and condolences from all New Yorkers to the family, fiancée and friends of Trooper Monda.
I am directing that flags on all State buildings be lowered to half-staff tomorrow through interment on Monday in honor of Trooper Monda. We will never forget his dedicated service to our safety and our State."
TENNESSEE: August 25-27, 2021 - In memory of the lives lost during devastating floods in Western Middle
Tennessee In memory of the lives lost during the devastating floods in western Middle TN, flags over the State Capitol will fly at half-staff until Friday. We continue to pray for the Tennesseans experiencing loss & heartbreak & our courageous first responders.
New Jersey: August 27, 2021 - In recognition and mourning of Norman V. Inferrera, III.
The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Friday, August 27, 2021, in recognition and mourning of Norman V. Inferrera, III.
ARIZONA: August 5, 2021 - In honor of Tucson Sector U.S Border Patrol Agent
PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow, August 5, 2021, to honor Tucson sector U.S. Border Patrol Agent Daniel P. Cox, who died in a head-on collision on Saturday while on duty. “Arizona is devastated by the loss of Border Patrol Agent Daniel Cox,” said Governor Ducey. “He dedicated more than 20 years to protecting our nation, and his service has helped create a safer environment for our border communities and all Arizonans. My prayers are with Agent Cox’s loved ones and Southern Arizona’s law enforcement community at this difficult time. I’ve ordered state flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of his life, service and bravery.” Agent Daniel P. Cox and a civilian died in a two-vehicle collision at around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, July 31 on State Route 86 near Sells. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute. Regards, Arizona Department of Administration
OHIO: August 3 until Day of Interment (Date Unknown - In honor of Police Officer Scott Dawley
In honor of the life and service of Nelsonville Police Officer Scott Dawley, the flags shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Athens County, the Ohio Statehouse, Riffe Center and Rhodes Tower today, and will remain until sunset on the day of his funeral.
TEXAS: August 2 - 3, 2021: In Memory of The Wallmart Shooting in 2019
Pursuant to Chapter 3100 of the Texas Government Code, flags of the State of Texas at all El Paso County buildings, facilities, and offices may be lowered to half-staff on Monday, August 2, 2021, in memory of the victims of the Walmart shooting in 2019. Flags should return to full-staff at sunset on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. 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 El Paso community during this time of healing. Respectfully, Respectfully, Greg Abbott Governor
