Why Are Flags at Half Mast Today Washington?

Today, flags across the nation are flying at half mast to honor and mourn the death of United States Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, who passed away while defending the US Capitol on January 6th, 2021.

Officer Sicknick was there to protect and serve Congress in their day-to-day activities—a Herculean effort that often goes unnoticed or unheralded by those beyond Washington’s borders. He is remembered for his courage during a time when our country needed it most - and for those efforts, he will always be remembered as a true hero of Democracy.

The sight of flags at half mast today touch a collective national sorrow and help remind us that all Americans share in this tragedy — no matter what our differences may be —we can stand together in solidarity behind Officer Sicknick’s memory. This small tribute reminds us to honor him for his ultimate sacrifice while also paying homage to the principles of Americn democracy he gallantly sought to protect.

Today, New York is lowering its flag to half-mast in honor of the passing of delegate Constance Johnson, who served in Brooklyn's 45th Assembly District for more than a decade. Delegate Johnson was a highly esteemed member of her community and will be remembered for her commitment to public service and advocating for the people she served. From defending civil rights, to increasing affordable housing options and protecting borrowing borrowers from predatory lenders, Delegate Johnson worked tirelessly to make sure that everyone had a voice in local politics. Her accomplishments included authoring more than 25 pieces of legislation during her tenure that addressed such issues as homelessness, neighborhood development projects and public health initiatives.

Delegate Johnson leaves behind an impressive legacy that has positively impacted countless individuals throughout New York State. Her dedication to serving others was exemplary and she will be remembered fondly by all those lives she touched or made better through her hard work and commitment. Lowering the flags in New York serves as reminder us of how much Delegate Johnson truly cared about her community, or state as a whole — something we should never take lightly or forget.

Today in Los Angeles, flags across the city have been lowered to half mast in honor of a veteran of the Armed Forces. Local veterans, family members, and friends are observing this event as a way to remember and recognize those who served our country with dignity and courage.

The event is being held in remembrance of Army Sgt. 1st Class Luis Skatera-Gonzalez who put his life on the line for our nation's freedom while serving overseas. He was killed on April 23rd 2021; leaving behind his proud family including sister Maria Salome Gallegos-Skatera and two sons: David Gonzalez-Skatera age 18 and Jonathan Gonzalez Skatera age 6 months both from Lexington Nebraska.

Sgt.1st Class Luis Skatere-Gonzalez was born in El Salvador where he served honorably as an army medic during his service time there before coming to live in the United States. During his military career he was deployed multiple times serving 3 years at Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom followed by 4 years at Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Last year, SGT Gonzales returned stateside only to be restationed back abroad to Kuwait where he served until his death earlier this spring by non combat related medical causes; causing an immense loss not only to his family but also far beyond into all communities that shared him close bonds such as Northridge California, Los Alamitos California or Alexandria Virginia areas growing up alongside with both active duty service members, veterans, their families, friends or near by neighbors.

Although we are deeply saddened for this brave soldier’s passing we should find comfort knowing that SGT Gonzales dedicated himself generously for defending our nation’s liberty along Latin American countries ; ensuring a future filled with safety so that generations can come together under one united flag finding strength through unity rising up against violence fostering peace at all costs henceforth making him an exemplary personification of "service before self". The memories shared amongst us will forever keep close SGT Gonzales' legacy as thru what he did. Join us today honoring Sgt 1st Class Gonzalez by remembering them through lowering your arms, observing silence, then chanting “Honor! Respect! Country Above All! Service Before Self ”

Today, flags in Florida are flying at half mast in unison with many other states around the country as all united to pay respects, honor and remember the victims of 9/11.

The September 11th attacks occurred 19 years ago but still remain a solemn day for all Americans. In digging further into why flags are at half mast today, we can draw back to history itself. Flag protocol has been around for centuries, following guidelines set forth by countries such as England or France. This ceremony is performed on days of national mourning: a time to remember those who have lost their lives due to war or terrorism and pay tribute to them and their families, on what would've been their special day of remembrance.

Since this traumatic event in American History that resulted in nearly 3000 deaths within just one day alone, every state has chosen a certain level of recognition for those lost during this attack - even if not officially declared by each state’s governor or president However, it still shows respect from all throughout the country; not just from those directly affected by it but also those too young to understand its impact upon America until now. The flying of flags at half-mast is a tangible symbol that represents how our nation will forever mourn and honor these brave individuals who valiantly gave up their life that fateful morning never imagining they were moments away from heroism; whether they were rescuers trying to save others before themselves or simply another victim trying vainly against impossible odds seeking survival which sadly was not achieved then either; be them near the world trade center buildings falling as they crumbled lower than first warnings had expected any seconds later leaving no place safe enough - heroes gone yet never forgotten by us staying here total strangers solidifying tiny grains connectivity becoming suddenly much more emotional between us closing gaps growing far closer than before sharing stories feeling almost family-like these losses truly echoed across American hearts uniting everyone through sorrowful emotion connecting with relations captivating passions resonating deeply continued showing efforts always next reflecting majority having solidarity upholding pledge standing above intolerance respecting diversity partially demonstrated however absolutely flagging painfully reminding everyone why lowered again today preserving memory faces remains engraved lives inspired nation remembers each respectfully thank you setting aside time officializing being grateful very specially true reason making flag fly at Half Mast over Florida Today ​

Today, in Texas, the state and national flags are flying at half mast in honor of the late Pastor Billy Graham. Graham was an American evangelist who preached the gospel to millions around the globe during his life. His inspirational message had a huge impact on people of all backgrounds, religions and ages. He was particularly well-loved by Texans and is remembered for dedicating his life to advancing Christian values through ministry. To recognize his efforts, Governor Greg Abbott issued an official proclamation that all flags be flown at half mast today in memory of Pastor Graham’s legacy.

Graham's message was about reconciliation - a fitting theme for us today as we confront deepening divisions across this great country - spiritual divisions, racial divisions, political divisions – but also provide hope that if we look to him and unitedly strive towards his vision of unifying compassion, love and acceptance then our struggles will not be too difficult for us to endure together. So as we remember Billy Graham today with flags flown in respect at half mast – let’s take strength from his words: “Treat each other with respect my friends… Have joy even when faced with trials… And seek peace despite any outer circus". Thank you Pastor Graham

Today in Illinois, the flag is at half mast to honor the late Senator John J. McClory who passed away on March 3, 2021. The beloved legislator was a representation of what public service means in Illinois – dedication and commitment to serving the public and being a sound voice for his constituents.

McClory served as an Illinois State Representative for three decades - from 1990-2020 - before being elected as state senator in 2020. During his years of service he championed causes that impacted legislative races beyond local borders into other states such as campaign finance reform and voter protection laws. He also served on various committees concerning education, healthcare, environmental issues, labor rights, consumer protection and economic development; striving to build a better future for all Illinoians.

Notably being an advocate for sustainable energy sources such as renewable energy regarding solar energy fields located in Illinois were some accomplishments throughout his term of office., He was equally passionate about providing access to affordable housing statewide which included housing choice vouchers – important areas requiring government oversight that make everyday lives process smoother like Medicare Part A-Favoring applications respectively aiding seniors during retirement with additional income streams when its needed most!

John J McClory’s commitment through public service provided him with many noteworthy awards including “Legislator Of The Year” Award in 2016 jointly granted by leading clean air advocates organizations called Great Lakes Coalition Against Environmental Degradation (GLCAED) recognizing his numerous efforts supporting legislation against hazardous emissions… This includes working closely with federal lawmakers dusting off grants will help restore destroyed natural habitats originated from hundreds of years of industrial abuse! And consequently keeping toxic violations from repeating again not just here but worldwide too!

In honoring the late Senator John J McClory we recognize how one individual can be paramount in creating change around our community allowing others equal opportunities through empowerment yielding universal positivity further empowering generations ahead! So salute or bow your head whichever respectfully preferred..we remember & thank our civic servants serving this nation daily making us proudIllinoisans!!