{"id":593,"date":"2026-05-16T01:07:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T01:07:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/humanitystories.pics\/?p=593"},"modified":"2026-05-16T01:07:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-16T01:07:15","slug":"why-are-flags-flying-at-half-staff-nationwide-order-serves-as-a-somber-lesser-known-tribute","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/humanitystories.pics\/?p=593","title":{"rendered":"Why are flags flying at half-staff? Nationwide order serves as a somber, lesser-known tribute"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Across the country, United States flags were lowered to half-staff in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day of observance honoring officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.<\/p>\n

As part of the nation\u2019s Police Week, flags at half-staff are meant to remember fallen officers and the families they left behind,\u00a0according to<\/a>\u00a0the White House. The day also serves as a remembrance for officers who were also injured and still wear the badge.<\/p>\n

Started by President John F. Kennedy and a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, every May 15 is National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which the date falls is National Police Week, with a request that flags fly at half-staff. As part of a proclamation by President Donald Trump earlier this week, he called for the days of May 10 through 16 to be a week in which Americans can observe fallen officers through ceremonies and activities, and he called on governors and other officials to lower flags.<\/p>\n