Why are US flags are flying at half-staff in Texas? Peace Officers Memorial Day
Flags across the United States and Texas are at half-staff Sunday in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day, which commemorates the fallen officers in 2024 and years prior.
President Donald Trump issued a statement earlier this week, recognizing the holiday.
"This week and always, we honor the courageous men and women serving in law enforcement and memorialize those who sacrificed their lives defending the thin blue line," Trump wrote in a news release.
He added that in prior years under the administration of former President Joe Biden, the job got tougher for law enforcement.
"A nation in chaos ceases to be a citadel of liberty. Tragically, the previous administration allowed lawlessness to permeate our country, making it harder for our law enforcement officers to do their jobs. Their reckless, soft-on-crime policies emboldened criminals and thugs; wreaked havoc on the sanctity of our homes, businesses, and public spaces; instilled fear; and jeopardized public trust.
"I stand in steadfast solidarity with those who defend our freedoms and the families who love and support them. We pray for those who grieve the fallen and pledge that their lives, legacies, and sacrifices will forever be remembered by our grateful Nation," he added.
In the news release, he officially proclaimed May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week surrounding as National Police Week. However, this has been celebrated annually after President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating it as such.
Police officers from across the United States gather in Washington, D.C., to honor and remember officers who died or were disabled while on duty, according to policeweek.org.
In 2024, 17 police officers died in the line of duty.
Deputy Sheriff Ronald Bates of Harris County Sheriff's Office died Feb. 10, 2024, in an automobile crash.
Deputy Sheriff Charles Rivette of Montgomery County Sheriff's Office died Feb. 21, 2024, in an automobile crash.
Deputy Sheriff Bryan "Brad" Sweetman of Harris County Sheriff's Office died March 4, 2024, of a duty-related illness.
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna of the U.S. Border Patrol died March 8, 2024, in an aircraft accident in Texas.
Investigator John Hampton Coddou III of Harris County Sheriff's Office died April 23, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle.
Police Officer Kyle Hicks of Corpus Christi Police Department died April 24, 2024, by gunfire.
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer of North Richland Hills Police Department died May 1, 2024, of a heart attack.
Border Patrol Agent Jesus Anaya of the U.S. Border Patrol died May 23, 2024, of COVID-19 in Texas.
Senior Police Officer Vicente Ortiz, Jr. of Corpus Christi Police Department died June 1, 2024, in a motorcycle crash.
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda of Harris County Sheriff's Office died July 11, 2024, by gunfire.
Sergeant Billy Randolph of Fort Worth Police Department died Aug. 12, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle.
Police Officer Darron Lee Burks of Dallas Police Department died Aug. 29, 2024, by gunfire.
Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez-Vasquez of Texas Highway Patrol died Sept. 24, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle.
Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia of Cameron County Constable's Office – Precinct 1 died Sept. 30, 2024, in a vehicular assault.
Deputy Sheriff Lex Allen Love of Wise County Sheriff's Office died Oct. 2, 2024, in an automobile crash.
Deputy Constable Katherine Hutson of Harris County Constable's Office – Precinct 5 died Nov. 22, 2024, in a vehicular assault.
Police Officer Cooper Dawson of Greenville Police Department died Nov. 26, 2024, by gunfire.
Police Officer Jacob Candanoza of Terrell Police Department died Dec. 8, 2024, by gunfire.
Detention Officer Isaiah Patrick Bias of Ellis County Sheriff's Office died Dec. 16, 2024, by assault.
There are specific holidays and events when flags are flown at half-staff in the United States. That includes:
Memorial Day, when the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.
Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day.
Patriot Day.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
National Firefighters Memorial Day.
President Dwight Eisenhower also issued a proclamation on the proper times for flying the flag at half-staff when government officials die. That includes:
30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president.
10 days at half-staff after the death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, or the speaker of the House of Representatives.
From the date of death until interment for an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a member of the Cabinet, a former vice president, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the majority leader of the Senate, the minority leader of the Senate, the majority leader of the House of Representatives, or the minority leader of the House of Representatives.
The date of death and the following day of a United States senator, representative, territorial delegate, or the resident commissioner from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It should also be flown at half-staff on all federal facilities in the state, congressional district, territory, or commonwealth of these officials.
From the date of death until interment for the governor of a state, territory or possession.
The president may also order the flag to be flown at half-staff to commemorate the death of other officials, former officials or foreign dignitaries, in addition to tragic events.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Why are US flags at half-staff? Honoring Peace Officers Memorial Day
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