Why are American flags at half-staff in Florida on Dec. 7?
In accordance with public law established in 1994, Dec. 7 was established as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Flags across the United States should be flown at half-staff to honor those killed during the attack in Hawaii in 1941.
What happened at Pearl Harbor?
In 1941, Japanese forces attacked a U.S. naval base in Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. They wanted to destroy the U.S. Pacific Fleet so America would not be able to fight back when Japanese forces moved across the South Pacific.
Just after 8 a.m., Japanese planes flew over Pearl Harbor and attacked the ships below. The USS Arizona was hit by a 1,800-pound bomb, which sank the exploding ship and killed over 1,000 men, according to a History Channel account of the attack.
The USS Oklahoma, USS California, USS West Virginia, USS Utah, USS Maryland, USS Pennsylvania, USS Tennessee and USS Nevada were also significantly damaged in the attacks. More than 300 planes and 20 ships were destroyed.
After the attack, the U.S. declared war on Japan and officially entered WWII.
1941 attack on Pearl Harbor: How many people died in Pearl Harbor? What to know about the casualties in 1941 attack.
How many people died at Pearl Harbor?
A total of 2,403 people died after the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, according to the National WWII Museum and Census Bureau.
Members of the Navy made up the largest number of casualties, with 2,008 lives lost. The rest of the total comes from the Army and Marines, as well as 68 civilians killed.
Another 1,178 people were wounded in the attack.
What to know about 1941 attack: How many people died in Pearl Harbor? What to know about the casualties in 1941 attack.
Where should flags be flown at half-staff in remembrance of Pearl Harbor?
The flag of the United States should be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon 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 from sunrise to sunset Dec. 7.
Flags should also be flown at half-staff at all U.S. embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
Remembrance Day honors the memory of those killed at Pearl Harbor
"On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the memories of the 2,403 service members and civilians whose lives were cut short on that tragic December morning," President Biden wrote in his 2022 proclamation.
"We reflect on the resilience of America’s Armed Forces, who withstood the attack and built the most capable fighting force the world has ever known. In the wake of tragedy, these brave women and men — the Greatest Generation — answered the call to defend freedom, justice, and democracy across the Pacific, throughout Europe, and around the globe.
"Today, we carry forward their spirit of unity and their enduring resolve to protect the United States against those who seek to do us harm.
"This commemoration is also a solemn reminder that our country is capable of achieving great triumphs coming out of dark moments. From the death and destruction at Pearl Harbor came victory over the forces of fascism," Biden said.
"Fierce battles with the Axis powers gave way to diplomatic partnerships with strong allies. And from the darkness of World War II came the light of liberty and the establishment of a rules-based international order. Today and every day, we remember that the great and defining truth about our Nation and our people is that there is nothing beyond our capacity — we do not break, we never give in, and we never back down."
What is Public Law 103-308: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
In accordance to Public Law 103-308 President Biden should issue a proclamation for the American flag to be flown at half-staff on Thursday, Dec. 7 in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Approved by Congress on Aug. 23, 1994, Public Law 103-308 designated Dec. 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The law authorized and requested the president to:
President Biden's 2022 proclamation: Honoring those who died on Dec. 7, 1941
Issue annually a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and
Urge all federal agencies, and interested organizations, groups, and individuals, to fly the flag of the UnitedStates at half-staff" each Dec. 7 in honor of the those who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
Is it 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.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Flags to fly half-staff to honor those killed at Pearl Harbor 1941
