Tag: half staff

History Lessons

Flags of mourning in November

JFK's flag-draped casket in the White House

By James Breig Fifty years ago, at 1:48 p.m. on an autumn Friday, the American flag atop the White House was lowered to half-staff, where it would remain for a month. Millions of Americans can tell you why – and precisely where they were around noon that day: Nov. 22, 1963. It was a Friday of… continue

Flag Information

Half-Staff Proclamation for Tom Foley 10/29/13

A PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION As a mark of respect for the memory of Thomas S. Foley, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States… continue

Flag Information

Memorial Day

flags are placed in front of graves to honor fallen soldiers who will be remembered on Memorial Day May 31, 2004.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and although there are many conflicting stories on it’s beginnings, most of them agree that it began as a day set aside to honor the soldiers who had fallen in service during the civil war.  Dates and specific groups of soldiers are what separates many of the stories…. continue