Did you know that the law requires the American flag be lowered in tribute on only a few days each year? Quite appropriately, one of these days is the observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.
On October 16, 2001, President George W. Bush approved legislation requiring the American flag to be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters. Public Law 107-51 requires this action to occur annually in conjunction with observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.
Let your local media know that American flags across the country will be lowered on Sunday, October 7, 2012. This includes the U.S. Capitol and the White House, as well as buildings in your local community.
Remember to lower the American flags at your home, fire department, and business. Encourage your local community to follow the Federal Government's example.
When you lower your flag this year, you will recognize the brave men and women who died protecting their communities from natural and manmade emergencies and disasters and those who carry on the proud tradition.
You may also want to ask your state and local officials to include lowering the flag in a proclamation recognizing the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
AND ... in case you didn't know proper protocol requires that when you raise the flag first thing in the morning to hoist it quickly all the way to the top, and THEN slowly lower it back down to half-staff.
ReplyDeleteThen tie it off to remain at half-staff for the day.