Why flags are flying at half-staff, half-mast in U.S. federal buildings this week
President Joe Biden announced Sunday that all flags on all federal buildings around the U.S. be flown at half-staff after Saturday’s mass shooting in Allen, Texas where nine died.
“As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on May 6, 2023, in Allen, Texas, 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 11, 2023. 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,” Biden wrote in a proclamation.
What happened in Allen, Texas?
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, eight victims died and a police officer killed the shooter in the mass shooting Saturday afternoon at the Allen Premium Outlets mall, police said.
According to reports, Allen Fire Chief Jonathan Boyd said seven people, including the shooter, died at the scene and nine victims were taken by authorities to trauma centers. Two of the victims died after arriving at hospitals. Three of the surviving victims were in critical condition and in surgery, while four were stable as of Saturday evening.
What does half-staff mean?
When a flag is lowered to the middle of the pole, it remembers a sorrowful event or anniversary that impacted the public.
Half-staff always refers to the lowering of a flag. In contrast, half-mast refers to naval ships, according to the Naval History blog and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
When flags are ordered to be lowered at half-staff, they should stay at that designated height for 30 days unless the order specifies a sooner date.
When are flags lowered throughout the year?
Flags on public building throughout the United States are routinely flying at half-staff on the following dates:
May 15 - Peace Officers Memorial Day (half-staff all day)
Last Monday in May - Memorial Day (half-staff until noon)
Sept. 11 - Patriot Day (half-staff all day)
First Sunday in October - Fallen Fighters Fallen Firefighters (half-staff all day)
Dec. 7 - Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (half-staff all day)
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This story was originally published May 8, 2023 at 6:20 AM.
