Why are flags flying at half-staff in North Carolina?
United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities are flying at half-staff in N.C. in honor of Memorial Day.
Gov. Roy Cooper made a statement on the lowering of flags and observance of Memorial Day in a May 24 news release.
"On Memorial Day, we honor the memories of the courageous armed forces members who gave their lives protecting our nation's freedoms," said Cooper. "We owe a deep debt of gratitude each day to those in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and we continue to keep their loved ones in our prayers."
Why are the flags at half-staff in North Carolina?
Cooper ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on Memorial Day to honor armed services personnel who lost their lives defending the U.S. Memorial Day is observed yearly on the last Monday in May.
How long will flags be at half-staff?
U.S. and N.C. flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to noon on Memorial Day, May 27.
Why do flags fly at half-staff?
Usa.gov states that the American flag flies at half-staff when the country or a state is in mourning. The president, a state governor or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.
An American flag flying at half-staff generally indicates one of these three things:
The death of a government official, military member or emergency first responder.
A national tragedy.
Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance.
Where will flags be flown at half-staff?
Cooper ordered all state facilities in N.C. to fly flags at half-staff.
While only state facilities are ordered to lower flags, the news release encouraged individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions to fly flags at half-staff from sunrise until noon to join.
Is it half-mast or half-staff?
Previous reporting from Memphis Commercial Appeal explained that on ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast. Elsewhere ashore, flags are flown at half-staff.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: US, NC flags at half-staff in North Carolina until noon May 27
