Days To Fly The U.S. Flag at Half-Staff
Days to Fly the U.S. Flag at Half-Staff
Patriot Day
Initially called the Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001, Patriot Day is designated in memory of those killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. It was signed into law on December 18, 2001 and is observed on September 11 of each year. On that day, the President of the United States directs that the flag be flown at half-staff.
Peace Officers Memorial Day
Peace Officers Memorial Day takes place on May 15 of each year, close to the end of Police Week. It was created October 1, 1961, when Congress asked the president to designate May 15 to honor peace officers and was signed into law on October 2, 1962. It was amended in 1994 to direct that the Flag of the United States be flown at half-staff on this day. The only exception to this is if this day is also Armed Forces Day, when the flag is directed to be flown at full-staff.
Memorial Day
Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day commemorates the U.S. soldiers who have died while in service to their country. It is customary to fly the flag at half-staff from sunrise to noon on this day.
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
This day is a national memorial to career and volunteer firefighters who have fallen in service to their communities. It is traditionally on the first Sunday in October. Legislation was signed on October 16, 2001 requiring the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff on this day.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Observed on December 7, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day remembers and honors those who died in the Japanese attach on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The day was designated by congress on August 23, 1994, and it is tradition to fly the flag at half-staff from sunrise to sunset.