(This story has been updated with new information concerning Indiana’s flags.)
Indiana has lowered its state flags to half-staff in remembrance of those who died during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The flags will remain down to honor slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, according to a news release issued Thursday morning from Gov. Mike Braun’s office.
Here’s what we know.
Why are flags at half-staff?
Gov. Mike Braun on Wednesday directed state flags at government agencies across Indiana to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sept. 11 for Patriot Day.
U.S. flags around the country are flying at half-staff until sunset, Sept. 14, “as a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk,” according to an executive order issued Wednesday by President Donald Trump.
Trump later issued an executive order Thursday, Sept. 11, ordering U.S. flags fly at half-mast in honor of the 2,977 people who died during the terrorist attacks.
Story continues after photo gallery.
What did Gov. Mike Braun order about Indiana’s flags?
“The attacks of Sept. 11 were an unspeakable tragedy,” Braun said in a news release issued Wednesday, in which he directed state flags to be lowered.
“To all Hoosiers: As we remember the lives taken and the heroes who responded, may we also remember that what carried us through that dark time was not just our faith in our nation, but our faith in each other,” Braun said.
Indiana flags to stay at half-mast in honor of Charlie Kirk
Indiana’s flags will remain at half-staff until sunset, Sunday, Sept. 14, in remembrance of Kirk, according to a news release Braun’s office issued later Thursday morning.
Why do flags fly at half-staff?
There are three reasons why both U.S. and state flags are lowered to half-staff:
Is it half-mast or half-staff?
It depends. For ships and naval stations ashore, the flags are flown at half-mast. But if you happen to be on dry land, flags on a flagpole are flown at half-staff.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana’s flags are at half-staff for 9/11. Will they stay down for Charlie Kirk?
Reporting by John Tufts, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
