United States President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Monday ordering all flags across the United States to be flown at half-mast on Friday, May 15, in observance of Peace Officer Memorial Day, according to US media reports. The day is dedicated to honoring law enforcement officers and remembering those who have died in the line of duty.
American flags, along with adjacent flags such as state flags, are expected to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Friday.
According to the US Code, when lowering a flag, it should first be raised “momentarily to the top and then (lowered) to half-mast” Similarly, before being fully lowered for the day, it must be “raised to the top again before being lowered for the day”.
Trump also reportedly requested that governors across US states and territories order flags to be lowered for the day. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has ordered flags flown at half-staff in honor of an Omaha native who died in World War II and whose remains were identified last year.
According to USA Today, the proclamation says, “Our grateful country joins them in honoring the memory of the fallen officers who gave their lives protecting their fellow citizens, and we stand firmly with the families they leave behind,” adding, “We also recognize those who have been injured in the line of duty and the families who have faithfully stood by their side in hardship and recovery, and we pledge to support those who will carry our support.”
What is Peace Officers Memorial Day?
Peace Officer Memorial Day, observed annually on May 15, honors federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty. Established in 1962 by an Act of Congress and signed into law by President John F. Kennedy, it forms an important part of National Police Week. The week includes commemorations such as the Candlelight Vigil and the National Peace Officers Memorial Service held in Washington, DC.
A peace officer is defined as an official, such as a police officer or sheriff, appointed to maintain public order, prevent crime and make arrests, according to legal sources. These officers may serve at the local, state, federal, or tribal level and may also be part of military law enforcement units.
As part of the ceremony, an annual memorial service is held in front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, which pays tribute to recently fallen officers while also honoring all those who have died in the line of duty, according to the national day calendar.
Is Peace Officer Memorial Day a federal holiday in the US?
Peace Officer Memorial Day is not classified as a federal holiday in the same way that Memorial Day is. Government offices remain open and schools and businesses continue to operate as usual, according to the Office of Personnel Management, as cited by USA Today.
