Why are US flags flying at half-mast today? Commemorating 9/11 on Patriot Day

In heartfelt tribute to the victims of September 11, U.S. flags will fly at half-staff today throughout Texas and across the country to observe Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

“Over the past 23 years, we have rebuilt what was destroyed. What was threatened, we have fortified. What was attacked – the indomitable American spirit – has prevailed,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. “That is who we are. That is the soul of our nation. There is nothing we cannot accomplish if we wholeheartedly defend what makes us unique in the world: our democracy. That is what the heroes and patriots of 9/11 did. And that is what all of us must continue to do today.”

When did the USA create Patriot Day?

Congress created Patriot Day shortly after the attacks of September 11, 2001.

The celebration was converted into law on December 18, 2001.

This law declared September 11 as Patriot Day to commemorate those killed in the attacks and to recognize the heroism of first responders and others who contributed to relief and reconstruction efforts.

Remembering the images from September 11th:Pictures document devastation and panic after the attacks of September 11, 2001

When do the flags fly at half-mast?

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, there are certain holidays and events in the United States when flags fly at half-staff. These include:

On Memorial Day, the flag may only fly at half-mast until noon and is then hoisted high.
Peace Officers’ Day, unless this day is also Armed Forces Day.
Patriot's Day.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
National Firefighters Remembrance Day.

President Dwight Eisenhower also issued a proclamation on the appropriate times to fly the flag at half-staff when government officials die. These include:

30 days in all federal buildings, grounds, and warships throughout the United States and its territories and possessions following the death of the President or a former President.
Half-mast for 10 days following the death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
From the date of death until the burial of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Cabinet member, 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 and day following the death of a United States Senator, Representative, Territorial Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The flag should also fly at half-staff on all federal buildings in the state, congressional district, territory, or Commonwealth of such officials.
From the date of death until the burial of the Governor of a State, Territory or Possession.

The President may also order the flag to be flown at half-mast to commemorate the death of other officials, former officials, or foreign dignitaries or to commemorate tragic events.

Why are US flags flying at half-mast today? Commemorating 9/11 on Patriot Day

You may also like...

Recent Posts

Why are US flags flying at half-mast today? Commemorating 9/11 on Patriot Day

You may also like...

Warrant issued without bail for teenager accused of killing Queens man in gang shooting

Man sentenced to prison for killing Sierra College football player

Diana Taurasi is fully involved in what could be the last home game of her 20-year career

Recent Posts