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Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
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. Live Events 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. Also Read : King Charles' cancer treatment updates: The monarch reveals details about his eating habits and radiation therapy 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. Also Read : US-China trade war: From dishes to television — Will prices of household items imported from China rise? 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. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Newsweek
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
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.
