Why will flags fly at half-staff on Thursday, May 15, 2025?
On May 15, flags will be lowered to half-staff nationwide to honor fallen peace officers on Peace Officers Memorial Day, observed during National Police Week.
Across the country, in many U.S. states, you can see the national flag flying at half-staff today on May 15. But have you wondered why?
The date holds significance as it honors Peace Officers Memorial Day, during which numerous organizations, government bodies, and individuals pay tribute to those who died in the line of duty by lowering flags to half-staff.
What is Peace Officers Memorial Day?
According to Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), every year, approximately 140–160 officers are killed in the line of duty each year, leaving their friends and families to mourn that loss. However, Peace Officers Memorial Day came into effect many years ago, when President John F. Kennedy was asked by the Congress to sign a bill to honor police officer in 1961.
Every year after that, the U.S. president (this year, Donald Trump) must issue a proclamation to designate May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week of said date is "Police Week".
Why are flags at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day?
Traditionally, the president issues a proclamation inviting government officials to display the United States flag at half staff on all government buildings.
In this proclamation, he also invites state and local governments, in addition to the citizens, to honor this holiday with the appropriate ceremonies it deserves.
