Why are U.S. and state flags flying at half-staff, half-mast in Ohio on Monday?
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered that U.S. and Ohio state flags across the state be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds on Monday to honor Memorial Day.
What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is designed to honor those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The first national observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868.
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 these additional dates:
May 15 - Peace Officers Memorial Day (half-staff all day)
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)