The United States flag is lowered today, October 30, 2023, in honor of the victims of the senseless violence that occurred on October 25, 2023 in Lewiston, Maine.
On October 25, 2023, a gunman opened fire in a crowded restaurant at a bowling alley and restaurant. According to Aljazeera, 18 people were killed and 13 people were injured. Suspect Robert Card was eventually found dead after a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
To honor the victims, President Biden issued a proclamation to fly the flag to half-staff on October 26, 2023, with the order remaining in effect until sunset on October 30, 2023.
The order applies to all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels in the United States and its territories and possessions, as well as to all embassies, missions, consular offices, and other facilities of the United States abroad.
The proclamation on the White House website mentions: “Out of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence committed on October 25, 2023 in Lewiston, Maine, by the powers vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, I hereby order the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff on The White House and on all public buildings and grounds, on all military 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, October 30, 2023.
“I also direct that the flag be flown at half-mast for the same length of time at all embassies, missions, consular offices, and other facilities of the United States abroad, including all military installations and naval ships and stations,” it added.
On what occasions is the American flag flown at half-mast?
According to USA.Gov, the American flag is flown at half-staff or at half-staff when a tragedy occurs. It is a tradition that goes back centuries and is used by many countries around the world.
In the United States, the president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to be flown at half-staff. It is most often done to mark the death of a government official, military member or first responder, or to mark a national tragedy or memorial day.
- The death of a high-ranking government official, such as the president, vice president, or member of Congress
- Death of a military service member
- The death of a first responder, such as a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic
- A national tragedy, such as a mass shooting or natural disaster
- A day of national mourning, such as Memorial Day or Peace Officers’ Day
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: newstars.edu.vn