Peace Officers Memorial Day: Here's why American flags are at half-staff on May 15
In several states across the US, including Connecticut, Washington, Ohio, and Texas, the national as well as the state flags were lowered to half-staff to commemorate the
Peace Officers Memorial Day
on Thursday, May 15.
This was done in accordance with the May 12 proclamation from
US President Donald Trump
. He asked the flags to be flown at half-staff across the United States from sunrise to sunset, Newsweek reported.
Peace Officers Memorial Day: Origin and history
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy first proclaimed May 15 to be observed as the Peace Officers Memorial Day in the US. This was signed into law during the same year after a joint resolution of Congress, as per the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
This day is marked to recognise and honour the law enforcement officials from federal, state as well as local levels, who have died in the line of duty to safeguard and protect the country. It is part of the
National Police Week
, observed in May on an annual basis.
According to the official data, over 23,000 officials have lost their lives while serving the country since 1786.
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The federal law states that 'half-staff' is with respect to the position of the flag. It needs to be flown halfway down the flagpole, as per the rules and regulations.
This happens from sunrise to sunset, usually to observe Peace Officers Memorial Day, Patriot Day, and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, among others.
However, the rules are different for Memorial Day, when it is flown at half-staff from sunrise till noon. It is also flown at half-staff after the death of major figures from the country. This is done to pay "respect to their memory," federal law states.
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What did Donald Trump say?
The US President said in the proclamation that this is the time to honour the "brave officers," who go on to protect families and safeguard communities on the front lines.
In the official declaration, Trump even criticised the previous Joe Biden-led administration and claimed that it tragically allowed "lawlessness to permeate our country". This eventually made it hard for the law enforcement officials to perform their duties, he added.
Trump further stated that the previous administration in the US followed "reckless, soft-on-crime policies" that gave courage to the criminals, besides instilling fear and jeopardising public trust.
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FAQs
What's the schedule for National Police Week in the US?
This is being observed from May 11 till May 17.
When is the US flag flown at half-staff?
The US government has a set of scheduled days when the American flag needs to be flown at half-staff. Among these include Peace Officers Memorial Day, Memorial Day, Patriot Day, Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, National Firefighters Memorial Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
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