Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has ordered all flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, in honor of former Little Rock Mayor H. Patterson “Pat” Murtagh Jr. who passed away on February 21, 2021, at the age of 89.
Why are flags at half staff in Arkansas today?
The flags in Arkansas are at half staff in memory of the two Arkansas National Guard soldiers who were killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday, March 15th. The soldiers were flying in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a training mission when the aircraft went down near the city of Hot Springs. Both soldiers were killed in the crash.
The flags in Arkansas will remain at half staff until sunset on Thursday, March 19th.
What is the reason for the flags being flown at half staff?
Flags are flown at half-staff as a sign of respect and mourning. When someone of national importance dies, flags are lowered to half-staff across the country as a way to show respect and honor. This is a tradition that dates back centuries, and is still practiced today. There are a few different protocols for how long flags should remain at half-staff, but generally they are lowered for a period of time after the person's death, and then raised back to full staff.
This tradition is a way to show unity in a time of grief, and to honor those who have made a significant impact on the nation. It is a small gesture, but one that can be seen and felt by all. When the flags are flown at half-staff, it is a sign that the nation is mourning and grieving with those who have lost a loved one.
Is this the first time that flags have been flown at half staff in Arkansas?
Flags in Arkansas are flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for the dead and mourning. This is usually done in the event of the death of a public figure, or when directed by the Governor. Flags were most recently flown at half-staff in Arkansas on September 11th, 2001, in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks.
How often are flags flown at half staff in Arkansas?
The Arkansas State Flag is flown at half-staff in memory of a former governor who has died in office or from the day of his or her funeral until interment. The Arkansas State Flag is also flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, Memorial Day, and Patriot Day.
Who is responsible for lowering the flags to half staff?
The decision to lower the flags to half-staff is usually made by the president, governor or mayor. In some cases, the decision is made by a state agency or the military. The flags are lowered as a sign of respect for a person or group of people who have died.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to fly the flag at half-staff all year long?
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to fly the flag at half-staff continuously from January to December. However, there is no specific rule in the U.S. Flag Code that states the American flag is not allowed to fly at half-staff during a full year.
Why is the flag at half-staff at the Georgia State Capitol?
Governor Kemp ordered U.S. & Georgia flags on the State Capitol building and grounds to half-staff March 16, 2022 in honor of the Honorable Samuel Alan Massell Jr.
Why is the Texas flag at half-staff in Eastland County?
The Texas flag is flying at half-staff in Eastland County in honor of Deputy Barbara Fenley.
Why are flags at half-staff today?
National Flag Day is observed on June 14th to honor the patriotic traditions of displaying the United States flag and flying it at half-staff. The day commemorates when the Continental Congress adopted a resolution on June 14, 1777, to have the flag raised throughout the country every day, to begin on July 4th.
When should you fly the American flag at half staff?
When the President directs, flags should be flown at half-staff at all government buildings and military posts throughout the United States for 30 days from the date of death to observe national mourning.
Sources
- https://bestflag.com/blogs/news/why-do-we-fly-flags-at-half-staff
- https://events.in.gov/event/gov_holcomb_directs_flags_to_be_flown_at_half-staff_7688
- https://governor.arkansas.gov/news-media/releases/governor-hutchinson-orders-flags-lowered-to-half-staff-in-memory-of-slain
- https://www.koamnewsnow.com/arkansas-flags-fly-at-half-staff/
- https://flagsexpress.com/flags-half-staff/arkansas/july-19-2022/Vincent-Parks/
- https://blog.flagwix.com/why-are-flags-at-half-staff/
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/why-flags-will-fly-at-half-staff-half-mast-in-the-us-friday-and-through-the-weekend/ar-AAZnonj
- https://www.abc27.com/local-news/why-are-flags-at-half-staff-this-wednesday/
- https://news.yahoo.com/why-flags-fly-half-staff-150352104.html
- https://flag-post.com/half-staff-origins/
- https://study.com/learn/lesson/half-mast-half-staff-overview-rules.html
- https://globalizethis.org/why-are-flags-at-half-mast-today-in-arkansas/
- https://kienthuctudonghoa.com/why-are-flags-at-half-mast-today-arkansas-2022/
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