Flags are at half-staff today across the United States and Illinois, despite Memorial Day still being more than a week away.
Flags will be lowered through sunset on Friday, May 15, in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, according to an Illinois flag order.
Here’s an explanation of why flags are lowered and how long they’re set to stay that way.
Why are flags at half-staff today?
President Donald Trump designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the surrounding days as National Police Week, calling for flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide.
In observance of the day, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker ordered all entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act to fly U.S. and state flags at half-staff today. This includes courthouses, public school buildings and many other state buildings.
What is Peace Officers Memorial Day?
Established by Congress in 1962, the day honors federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
The observance is recognized annually during National Police Week and is often marked by memorial events and tributes nationwide, according to National Day Calendar.
How long will flags stay lowered?
Flags across the U.S. and Illinois will stay lowered through sunset Friday, May 15, per the federal and local proclamations.
Why are flags flown at half-staff?
There are three reasons why both U.S. and state flags are lowered to half-staff:
Half-mast vs half-staff
Flags are flown at half-mast on ships and naval stations ashore. But if you happen to be on dry land, flags on a flagpole are flown at half-staff.
CONTRIBUTING: John Tufts, IndyStar
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Why are flags at half-staff in Illinois? How long they’ll stay lowered
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall and Lori Comstock, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
