Honoring National Day of Service and Remembrance
Governor Polis ordered flags to half-staff in honor of the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, and released the following statement.
“Almost a quarter of a century ago, the safety and security of the United States was shaken like never before. While the bedrock of our nation is forever changed, America continues to grow stronger and more resilient. On 9/11, we remember the 2,976 souls lost that tragic day, honor the first responders who ran toward the danger to help others, and mourn with the families who still have an empty seat at the dinner table,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
Flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
In Memoriam of Charlie Kirk
As directed by President Trump, flags will stay at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, September 14, 2025 to honor Charlie Kirk who was shot and killed on September 10, while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Read Governor Polis Statement on the passing of Charlie Kirk:
“Political violence is never acceptable and I condemn the brutal and inexcusable attack on Charlie Kirk in Utah. This is a challenging time for so many in our country, but any divisions we face will never be solved by trying to hurt each other. I am sending hope and love to his friends and his family in this dark hour. I encourage everyone to be stronger and disagree better and peacefully.”
Read President Trump’s Proclamation, opens a new window
As a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk, 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, September 14, 2025. 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 tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
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Brief History
The tradition of flying a flag at half-staff began in the 17th century. Sometimes you'll hear "half-mast" but that is reserved for usage aboard a ship. The president can issue an executive order for the flag to be flown at half-staff, often upon the death of a notable figure or because of a tragic event. When such an order is issued, all government buildings, military bases, schools and offices are to lower their flags half-staff.
Why are other flags flown at half-staff? Because no flag can be placed above the flag of the United States. Governors of U.S. states and territories can also order U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff, often when a member of the armed forces dies in active duty or when a current or former state official dies.
Learn more about the flag and Flag Day, a day that celebrates that red, white and blue.
Flag Etiquette
Read about flag code and etiquette, opens a new window.
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