Why Are Flags Flown at Half-Staff Today, May 15? What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Flags across the United States are flying at half-staff today in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, a national observance paying tribute to law enforcement officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. The tribute, observed annually on May 15, is part of National Police Week, a series of events commemorating the sacrifices and service of police personnel across the country.
President Donald Trump ordered that all U.S. flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on May 15 to mark the occasion. The White House proclamation, issued May 12, says, "I also call on the Governors of the States and Territories and officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day."
Why are Flags Flown at Half-Staff Today?
The tradition of flying the American flag at half-staff symbolizes national mourning and respect for individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country. For Peace Officers Memorial Day, this gesture acknowledges the dangers inherent in law enforcement and the personal losses borne by families and communities.
In the 2025 proclamation, Trump acknowledged the gravity of the observance: "We honor our brave officers who serve on the front lines to protect our families, safeguard our communities, and shoulder a burden of responsibility that most Americans cannot fathom."
File photo of an American flag flying at half-staff.
File photo of an American flag flying at half-staff.
Wolterk/Getty Images
Trump criticized the Biden administration for what he described as weak crime policies that made it harder for police to do their jobs and encouraged criminal behavior.
"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."
The president said he is keeping his promise to improve safety by securing the border and strengthening law enforcement through better training, support, and hiring practices.
What Is Peace Officers Memorial Day?
Peace Officers Memorial Day was first established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 and signed into law that same year, according to the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The observance honors law enforcement officers at the federal, state, and local levels who have died or been injured in the line of duty.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund coordinates annual events during National Police Week. This includes memorial services, vigils, and the placement of new names on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
According to the organization's website, more than 23,000 officers have died in the line of duty since 1786.
Is a Peace Officer the Same as a Police Officer?
The term "peace officer" is broadly defined under U.S. law and includes police officers, sheriffs, state troopers, correctional officers, and other sworn personnel who are authorized to enforce the law and maintain public order. While all police officers are peace officers, not all peace officers are police officers, such as those working in corrections, transportation agencies or certain federal roles.
The language of the law and the presidential proclamations uses the term "peace officer" to ensure inclusivity of all roles across law enforcement who put themselves in harm's way to serve their communities.
What People Are Saying
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, on X (formerly Twitter): "Tomorrow across the nation we pause to remember the service and sacrifices made by those who take the selfless oath 'To Protect and Serve.' In honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, I have ordered flags to be lowered in memory of those who have given their all for their fellow Georgians."
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, on X: "On this Peace Officers Memorial Day, we honor the lives of the brave men and women in law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities."
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, on X: "Flags are at half-staff today in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day. We honor and salute every law enforcement officer who has given their life in the line of duty. Their memories will not be forgotten, and we thank them for their dedication."
What Happens Next
The flag-lowering directive remains in effect until sunset on May 15. Police Week events continue throughout the week, culminating in the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service in Washington, which draws thousands of attendees, including surviving family members, fellow officers, and public officials.
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