Latest news with #U.S.DepartmentofVeteranAffairs
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Why Are Flags at Half-Staff Today? Memorial Day Rules Explained
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. American flags will be lowered across the country to fly at half-staff to reflect the solemnity of Memorial Day on Monday morning. The flags will be lowered at sunrise and will remain flying in that position until they are raised again at noon. Officials at federal buildings across the land will lower—and then raise—the flags at different points of the day to symbolize various meanings behind the event, which honors the nation's fallen service members. Following the death of former President Jimmy Carter, American flags fly at half-staff at daybreak with the U.S. Capitol in the background on December 30, 2024, in Washington. Following the death of former President Jimmy Carter, American flags fly at half-staff at daybreak with the U.S. Capitol in the background on December 30, 2024, in Washington. It Matters Memorial Day is a federal holiday held in honor of the U.S. military members who died serving their country. The country's flags are always lowered to indicate a period of national mourning, such as during the death of a president or to honor fallen law enforcement officers, such as during the Peace Officers Memorial Day that was held earlier this month. What To Know This year, Memorial Day falls on May 26. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has published a document setting out the rules for when it is appropriate to fly the American flag at half-staff. "On Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation's battle heroes," the department says. The origins of Memorial Day date to 1868, although it was then known as Decoration Day, and observance gradually spread throughout the states. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed nationally on the last Monday in May. In 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, which encourages the nation to observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time to honor and remember those killed in the line of duty. What People Are Saying The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: "An easy way to remember when to fly the United States flag at half-staff is to consider when the whole nation is in mourning. These periods of mourning are proclaimed either by the president of the United States, for national remembrance, or the governor of a state or territory, for local remembrance, in the event of a death of a member or former member of the federal, state or territorial government or judiciary. The heads of departments and agencies of the federal government may also order that the flag be flown at half-staff on buildings, grounds and naval vessels under their jurisdiction [...] "In the early days of our country, no regulations existed for flying the flag at half-staff and, as a result, there were many conflicting policies. But on March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper times." What Happens Next American flags across the country will be lowered then raised as appropriate on Memorial Day. Other traditions held to mark the occasion will also be taking place, such as the 3 p.m. moment of remembrance, as well as various parades, religious services, speeches by public officials and the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Patriots Point and Coastal Community Church honors veterans ahead of Memorial Day
MT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD)—On Wednesday, Staff, Visitors, and former military members gathered at USS Yorktown to celebrate the men and women who served the country. 'Today was a special day for us at Patriots Point. We welcomed 25 veterans from Patriots Villas, a transitional housing program. These men and women stepped up to protect our country, and we want them to know they're appreciated, said Chris Hauff, the chief of staff at Patriot's Point.' According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, nearly 70 percent of veterans experience some lasting trauma after their service, often affecting their quality of life. Organizers said the event was about ensuring the veterans know their sacrifices were not forgotten. 'Some of the vets we minister to are going through tough times. Many of them have PTSD. We just wanted to bring them some joy and remind them that what they went through matters—and that we see them said Steve Laughlin, a volunteer at Coastal Community Church. During the event, veterans experienced flight simulators, toured the Medal of Honor exhibit, and enjoyed a luncheon—all courtesy of the coastal community church. Officials said Memorial Day is a good time to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of those in uniform and remember to give thanks not just on holidays but every day. 'We want to make sure they never feel forgotten. They did something most people don't—they served our country. Even if they struggle now, they still deserve recognition, and we'll do whatever we can to support them.' On Memorial Day, the USS Yorktown will offer free admission to active duty and former service members and their immediate families with proper I.D. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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
19-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bakersfield National Cemetery to honor unaccompanied veterans April 22
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield National Cemetery will host a ceremony on Tuesday to memorialize veterans who were interred at the cemetery over the past five months without known family. The service is set to take place at 10 a.m. April 22, at the Bakersfield National Cemetery located at 30338 East Bear Mountain Boulevard, Arvin, according to a release by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The precise location will be in the committal shelter 1 ceremony area. Family and friends gather at Bakersfield National Cemetery The ceremony will include a eulogy said by Pastor Ty Barksdale, live bagpipe music and full military honors by the Bakersfield U.S. Army Memorial Honor Detail, according to the release. The military honors will include a rifle salute, the playing of Taps and presentation of the American flag, the release said. The department invited the public to attend and stand in as family to honor the veterans at the ceremony. There is no restriction to the number of attendees. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Down to zero': Veteran suicide crisis targeted in VA bill by bipartisan House coalition
EXCLUSIVE: A bipartisan group of lawmakers is joining forces to introduce a bill aimed at strengthening veteran suicide prevention programs. "Too many veterans are dying by suicide every day, and we have to do more to prevent it," Rep. Greg Landsman, the Ohio Republican leading the effort, told Fox News Digital. "If we focus the VA resources on the most effective programs, we can make a significant impact in reducing these heartbreaking and entirely unacceptable rates of veteran suicide. Our veterans deserve the best care possible." The comments come as Landsman readies to introduce the "What Works at Preventing Veteran Suicide Act," a bill that would require the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to establish new pilot and grant programs aimed at eliminating veteran suicide. The new legislation would aim to make the VA secretary responsible for "setting clear and measurable objectives for funding and programs" that would evaluate "how effective those funding programs are" in helping to prevent veteran suicide, according to a release about the bill provided to Fox News Digital. Doge Uncovers Massive Va Contract For 'Salary Survey Data And Analysis' — Says It Canceled It, Saving Millions "Veteran suicide is a crisis we cannot afford to ignore," Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, a former U.S. Navy SEAL joining the effort, told Fox News Digital. "As someone who's worn the uniform and served alongside some of the best this country has to offer, I'm committed to driving that number down to zero. Reintroducing this bill is about accountability and results. We need to know which programs are actually saving lives so we can invest in what works and get our veterans the support they deserve." Read On The Fox News App "I have lost many friends and teammates to suicide, and until we are using every available resource to prevent it, we are simply not doing enough," Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., another military veteran lawmaker, added in comments to Fox News Digital. "This bill ensures the VA is focused on proven, effective programs to combat veteran suicide. One veteran lost is one too many – we owe it to them to get this right." Veterans still account for a disproportionate share of the national suicide rate, according to the VA's most recent National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report, released in December 2024. Analyzing dates from 2001 to 2022, with 2022 being the most recent year with available data, the report found that 6,407 of the 47,891 (13.3%) nationwide suicides were committed by veterans. Tim Walz Heckled By Veterans For Stolen Valor Claims, China Connections That number comes despite U.S. military veterans representing only 6% of the U.S. adult population, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. In all, there were roughly 17.6 veteran suicides per day in 2022, the VA found. The release notes that the legislation is currently endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Save a Warrior. "Save A Warrior is proud to be a supporting organization of this important bill, and we stand ready to assist in its advancement," Jack Retzer, Save a Warrior founder and president, told Fox News Digital. "We thank you for your continued leadership on this issue and for your commitment to those who have served our nation so honorably." The legislation has also picked up bipartisan support, with Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Chris Deluzio, joining in on the effort. "We have got to use all of the tested and effective tactics available to take on the suicide crisis facing America's veterans," Deluzio told Fox News Digital. "I am grateful to partner with Congressman Landsman to introduce this legislation that would create more guidelines for suicide prevention pilots and outreach through the VA. I will never stop fighting to protect and serve my fellow veterans."Original article source: 'Down to zero': Veteran suicide crisis targeted in VA bill by bipartisan House coalition
