U.S. flags are set to be at half-staff on Sunday, May 3, in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
The day honors the men and women of the fire service who have given their lives in the line of duty, according to Half Staff American Flag Notifications.
“Each year, the memorial observance serves as a national reminder of their sacrifice and of the debt owed to the families, departments, and communities they left behind,” the organization said.
In connection with the annual memorial service, President Donald Trump issued an order that U.S. flags fly at half-staff in accordance with longstanding federal practice tied to Public Law 107-51, as has been done in prior years.
“Every day across our great country, firefighters answer the call when it matters most, rushing into danger to protect lives, homes, and communities. Through fires, disasters, and emergencies, they demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of their fellow Americans. Their bravery and dedication make our Nation stronger, and we are safer because of them,” his order said.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, one Michigan firefighter was killed on duty in 2025, Chief David Haverdink, of the Hamilton Fire Department.
Between 1990 and 2024, 81 firefighters died on the job in Michigan.
Here’s what to know about flying the flag at half staff.
Why is US flag flying at half-staff on May 3?
A part of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, U.S. flags will be at half staff to honor men and women of the fire service who gave their lives in the line of duty. In 2026, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is May 2-3.
Where should US flag be flown at half-staff on May 3?
Flags should be flown at half-staff at the White House and all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts 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.
How long should flags fly at half-staff?
Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset on May 3.
What is National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend?
According to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, 97 firefighters died in 2025 were honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
Bells will ring from coast to coast on Sunday, May 3, 2026, to honor those firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2025 and previous years.
Fire departments and their places of worship will join the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
How to correctly fly your flag at half-staff
On days when the flag is flown at half-staff, it should first be raised “briskly” to the top of the pole for an instant and then lowered slowly to the half-staff position, according to the U.S. Flag Code.
Before lowering the flag, it should again be raised to the top before being lowered for the day.
Do flags fly at half-mast or half-staff?
On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast.
On shore, flags are flown at half-staff.
Will Gov. Whitmer issue an order to fly flags at half-staff?
State officials announce which days to fly Michigan and U.S. flags at half-staff online. You also can sign up for notifications about flag honors.
The flag is always lowered to half staff on the following days by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer:
When flags are lowered to half staff, Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half staff.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Fallen firefighters honored with flags at half-staff on Sunday
Reporting by Dan Basso, USA TODAY NETWORK / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
