Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear ordered May 22 that flags at all Ohio and Kentucky state buildings be lowered to half-staff on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.
Here’s what to know.
Why are flags at half-staff in Ohio and Kentucky?
On May 22, both DeWine and Beshear ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day.
“America is the home of the free because of the brave, and we have so much to give thanks for this Memorial Day as we honor the heroes who sacrificed for our freedom and our country,” Gov. Beshear said in a press release. “To honor them and their families, let us commit to a more perfect union by finding common ground and moving our country forward for everyone. God Bless America.”
How long will flags be at half-staff in Ohio and Kentucky?
In Kentucky, flags will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Memorial Day, which falls on Monday, May 25.
DeWine said flags would be lowered in Ohio from just after midnight, 12:01 a.m., to noon on Memorial Day.
What’s the difference between half-staff and half-mast?
Flags are flown at half-mast on ships and at naval stations. On shore, flags are flown at half-staff, meaning the flagpole is attached to a building or stuck in the ground.
Why are flags flown at half-staff?
The American flag flies at half-staff when the country or a state is in mourning, according to USA.gov.
Flags can be ordered to fly at half-staff by the president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia. In most cases, flying the flag at half-staff marks a significant death, such as one of a government official or military member, a national tragedy, or a national day of remembrance.
The Enquirer’s Haadiza Ogwude contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Why are flags at half-staff in Ohio and Kentucky? What does it mean?
Reporting by Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
