Here’s Why American Flags Are Flying Half-Staff Today

Governors across the United States have ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff today to honor National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Today is the 83rd anniversary of Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which resulted in the death of over 2,400 American service members.

On Friday, Biden stated that he “urges all Federal agencies, interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff on December 7, 2024, in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.”

He added, “The 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed on that tragic December morning 83 years ago.”

Today we reflect, remember, and honor the 2,403 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Flag of the United States is flown at half-staff until sunset to honor those who lost their lives serving this nation at Pearl Harbor.
#PearlHarbor #HonorTheFallen #RememberingHeroes pic.twitter.com/NKgQISw3J6

— Director of Field Operations Carlos C. Martel (@DFOFlorida) December 7, 2024

Flags will fly at half-staff in honor of the service members and civilians who lost their lives 83 years ago in the attacks on Pearl Harbor.

On this solemn anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to never forget them, nor the heroes who defended our nation in World War II. pic.twitter.com/2w94QU1DpH

— Governor Greg Gianforte (@GovGianforte) December 7, 2024

Per Newsweek:

Governors across the U.S. have ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to mark National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on Saturday.

ADVERTISEMENT

This year, the day marks the 83rd anniversary of the surprise attack that thrust the U.S. into World War II.More than 2,400 American service men and women were killed in the early attack launched by Japan at the United States Navy Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. Nearly 1,200 more were wounded.President Joe Biden issued a proclamation on Friday, saying he was “urging all Federal agencies, interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff on December 7, 2024, in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.”

The day honors “the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed on that tragic December morning 83 years ago,” he said in a statement.”And we recognize the absolute courage of the service members who, in the wake of this painful and unprovoked attack, stood up to defend democracy and stand up to fascism abroad in World War II.”

President Joe Biden issued a proclamation calling for flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. https://t.co/me2b4uNGAa

— Newsweek (@Newsweek) December 7, 2024

Per Post Crescent:

Gov. Tony Evers ordered flags to fly at half-staff Saturday in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

“On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor and remember the brave individuals who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor, including 50 service members from Wisconsin, and reflect on the significance of this dark and fateful day in our nation’s history,” Evers said in a Dec. 6 statement.

Congress designated Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in 1994. Flags fly at half-staff and remembrance events are held across the nation annually, including at Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Evers also issued a separate proclamation to make Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in Wisconsin.