On Thursday, May 21, U.S. President Donald J. Trump issued a half-staff presidential proclamation taking place now through sunset, May 24.
This proclamation was enacted to honor the victims of the novel coronavirus pandemic by the president.
The proclamation reads as follows:
"Our Nation mourns for every life lost to the coronavirus pandemic, and we share in the suffering of all those who endured pain and illness from the outbreak. Through our grief, America stands steadfast and united against the invisible enemy. May God be with the victims of this pandemic and bring aid and comfort to their family and friends. As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the coronavirus pandemic, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall 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 until sunset, May 24, 2020. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day in May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred forty-fourth.
(signed) Donald J. Trump"
In the press release issued Friday, March 22, Gettysburg Flag Works listed tips for what to do if a flag cannot be lowered as well as how to properly fly a flag at half-staff.
For flags that can't be lowered, such as those on many homes, the American Legion says that attaching a black ribbon or streamer to the top of the flag is an acceptable alternative. The ribbon should be the same width as a stripe on the flag and the same length as the flag.
When raising the flag to half-staff on a vertical pole, always raise it briskly to the top of the flagpole for a moment before lowering it.
When taking it down for the night, raise it to the top of the flagpole again and lower it to the bottom.
With a telescoping flag pole, it is acceptable to put the USA flag on the second set of rings instead of the top set. In this case the top set would be left empty.
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