President Trump has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across the United States in memory of political activist Charlie Kirk.
“As a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk, […] I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff,” the proclamation reads.
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, Kirk was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. In honor of the political assassination victim, the flag of the United States at all public buildings and grounds across the country and its territories – including in Massachusetts – will fly at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, Sept. 14.
Why are flags flown at half-staff?
Dramatic Sky Above US Flag at Half Mast
According to the official website of the U.S. General Services Administration, flags typically fly at half-staff when the country or specific state is in mourning. Observances include national tragedies, days of remembrance and deaths of government or military personnel.
The president, the state governor or the mayor of Washington, D.C., can order flags to fly at half-staff.
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Half-staff vs. half-mast
While half-staff refers to lowered flags on land, half-mast refers to those at sea. Both refer to a flag being flown beneath the top of its staff as a sign of respect.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Why are flags at half-staff in Massachusetts today? What to know
