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Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Flags are half-staff in Texas, US for Memorial Day, but only until noon. Here's why
In honor of Memorial Day, flags across the United States and Texas are required to fly at half-staff. But unlike the other holidays and occasions, they only fly at half-staff until noon, then are raised to the top of the pole until sunset. Here's why. The U.S. flag is displayed at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, which always falls on the last Monday of May, to honor those who died serving in the armed forces. According to the Independence Hall Association website, it is then raised to full-staff until sunset to show that the nation lives. There are specific holidays and events when flags are flown at half-staff in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. 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 ot This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Why are flags at half-staff? What time to raise them on Memorial Day


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 )

Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
Are Texas flags half-staff Monday? What to know about Texas flag status
Flags across Texas and the United States were lowered to half-staff last week in honor of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on April 21. As of early Monday, the governor's office still listed the flag status at half-staff for Pope Francis. However, the original notice stated that flags should be returned to full-staff at sunset on the day of his interment, which took place Saturday. It is unclear whether the website has not yet been updated or if the half-staff order remains in effect in connection with the deaths of two Texas officers last week. Here's what we know. U.S. flags have returned to full-staff following the death of Pope Francis. Although Pope Francis — born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina — was not from the United States, it is common practice to lower flags in honor of prominent foreign dignitaries. As the 266th pope, he was the first pontiff from the Americas and the first non-European pope in more than a millennium. Flags should now be flying at full-staff following his burial, according to flag code. The governor's office has not yet mandated a flag change for the two Texas officers who died last week in separate incidents. Dawson County Deputy Jessie Perez died in the line of duty on April 22 when debris from a commercial vehicle struck him during a traffic stop in Lamesa. Perez had served with the Dawson County Sheriff's Office for eight months. A second officer, Tyler Police Department officer Sam Lively, died in a motorcycle crash on Friday afternoon. Lively was struck by a vehicle while riding on Troup Highway in Tyler. He had recently graduated from the police academy and completed his field training. While the Texas flag code does not specifically mandate lowering flags for fallen officers, it is customary for the governor to issue such orders when law enforcement officers die in the line of duty. These orders typically apply in the officer's home region but sometimes extend statewide, or specifically to law enforcement facilities. Flags are generally lowered until sunset on the day of interment. There are specific holidays and events when flags are flown at half-staff in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website. 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 or governor may also order that the flag be flown at half-staff to commemorate the death of other officials, former officials or foreign dignitaries, such as the death of Pope Francis. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Are flags at half-staff today? See Texas, US flag status

Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why are flags flying at half-staff in Tennessee? Death of Pope Francis prompts period of mourning
Flags across Tennessee will fly at half-staff per President Donald Trump and Gov. Bill Lee to honor Pope Francis, who died April 21 at age 88. "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!," Trump said Monday in a Truth Social post. Governor Bill Lee ordered that all flags be flown at half-staff. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Gov. Lee said "In accordance with President @realdonaldtrump's proclamation, flags over the Capitol & all State office buildings will fly at half-staff effective immediately in memory of His Holiness Pope Francis." Here is what to know. Flags are at half-staff in Tennessee to honor the memory of Pope Francis. Per President Trump's order, flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of Pope Francis' funeral, which will take place on Saturday, April 26. President Trump's order applies to 'all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment,' according to the proclamation. Governor Lee's order requires flags be at half mast at the State Capitol in Nashville and all state office buildings across Tennessee. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, flags are flown at half-staff on scheduled holidays and events in the United States. Flags are also flown at half-staff during periods of mourning, which are often announced via decrees from the President or Governor. Scheduled times for the flag to be flown at half-staff include: 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. On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast. Elsewhere ashore, flags are flown at half-staff. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How long will flags fly at half-staff after death of Pope Francis?
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why are flags at half-staff in Texas? When they're raised again after Carole Keeton death
As you go about your day today, you may notice Texas flags flying at half-staff across the state. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the flags at half-staff for the memorial of former Comptroller of Texas. Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset Friday, March 28, and should return to full-staff by sunrise Saturday. Former Austin Mayor, Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton dies and longtime public servant, known for breaking barriers in state and local government. She made history as the first woman elected as both the mayor of Austin and the Texas state comptroller. Throughout her career, Strayhorn was known for her independent streak, bold leadership, and commitment to fiscal responsibility. In addition to serving as Austin's mayor from 1977 to 1983, and then Railroad Commissioner from 1994 to 1999, she held office as Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts from 1999 to 2007. She also ran as an independent candidate for governor in 2006, challenging then-Gov. Rick Perry. Strayhorn was the mother of former White House press secretary Scott McClellan and came from a family deeply involved in public service. She died Wednesday at the age of 85. "Texas has lost a longtime leader and dedicated public servant with the death of Carole Keeton," a release from the governor's office states. "As a mark of respect for her public service as school board president, state insurance commissioner, mayor, railroad commissioner, and comptroller, it is fitting that flags be lowered to half-staff in her honor." There are specific holidays and events when flags are flown at half-staff in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website. 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 that the flag be flown at half-staff to commemorate the death of other officials, former officials or foreign dignitaries, in addition to tragic events. For instance, on Oct. 7, Abbott declared Monday a statewide Day of Observance for Israel in Texas and asked residents to hold a moment of silence for the people of Israel and the seven Americans who remained hostages. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Why are flags at half-staff in Texas? Honoring Carole Keeton Strayhorn