Peace Officers Memorial Day Flags Lowered Across Oklahoma
- mike33692
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Peace Officers Memorial Day Flags Lowered Across Oklahoma
Flags across Oklahoma and the nation are flying at half-staff today in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day, honoring law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
The annual observance recognizes local, state, tribal, and federal officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities.
According to the official presidential proclamation, Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed every May 15 as part of National Police Week.
The order applies to federal buildings, military installations, public grounds, and many state and local government facilities across Oklahoma.
Peace Officers Memorial Day Observed Nationwide
Under the presidential proclamation, flags are required to remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today for Peace Officers Memorial Day.
The observance traces back to legislation first requested by Congress in 1961.
According to the White House Presidential Proclamation Archive, President John F. Kennedy officially signed the designation into law in 1962.
The annual recognition now serves as one of the nation’s most significant law enforcement memorial observances.
Communities across Oklahoma and the country are also holding ceremonies and tributes during National Police Week.
Federal Law Requires Flags at Half-Staff
Federal law specifically mandates flag lowering for Peace Officers Memorial Day.
According to the United States Flag Code, flags lowered to half-staff should first be raised briefly to the top of the pole before being lowered halfway.
The flag should again be raised to the peak before being fully lowered at the end of the day.
In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed an amendment making Peace Officers Memorial Day one of only two specific calendar days each year requiring mandatory federal half-staff observance.
The other federally mandated day is Memorial Day.
Oklahoma Agencies Honor Fallen Officers
Law enforcement agencies across Oklahoma are participating in ceremonies and memorial observances connected to Peace Officers Memorial Day.
The annual tribute recognizes officers who lost their lives protecting communities throughout the country.
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, thousands of officers have been killed in the line of duty throughout American history.
Oklahoma agencies are also encouraging residents to pause and recognize the sacrifices made by fallen officers and their families during National Police Week.
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