Flags will be lowered across the U.S. on Friday, Sept. 11, in honor of Patriot Day 2026, which marks the first quarter-century since the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
"For millions of Americans, the memories of September 11, 2001, remain as vivid today as they were 25 years ago," President Donald Trumpsaid in a statement. "We will never forget the 2,977 precious lives taken from us, we will always cherish their memories, and we will forever hold their families in the enduring embrace of our Nation."
Flags were expected to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs also ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered and encouraged businesses and organizations to join in the tribute.
"Let us never forget that in
the face of terrorism, we forged a path of resilience and unity as Americans. I stand with all those who defend our freedom and protect our homeland,” she said in a statement.
Here's when flags are traditionally lowered in the United States and the difference between half-mast and half-staff
What is the difference between half-mast and half-staff?
The terms “half-mast” and “half-staff” both refer to lowering a flag to honor or mourn someone, but they are used in different settings.
“Half-mast” traditionally refers to flags flown on ships or at naval stations, while “half-staff” is used for flags flown on land. In the United States, “half-staff” is the term most commonly used for government buildings and public flag displays.
When are flags flown at half-staff in the US?
In the United States, flags are lowered to half-staff on certain national observances and following the deaths of notable public officials.
According to the Arizona state website, the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff on these days:
- Memorial Day, when the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.
- Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day.
- Patriot Day.
- National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
- National Firefighters Memorial Day.
The president of the United States may also order flags to be flown at half-staff after the death of a notable public figure. In those cases, the length of time depends on the person’s role:
- 30 days from the death of the president or a former president.
- 10 days from the day of death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the United States, or the speaker of the House of Representatives.
- From the day of death until the interment of an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a secretary of an executive or military department, a former vice president or the governor of a state.
- The day of death and the following day for a member of Congress.
The governor may also order flags lowered to half-staff after the death of notable current or former government officials or members of the armed forces who die while on active duty.
In Arizona, the governor can also require that the state flag be lowered at all state, institutional and educational buildings. The law also allows the state flag to be lowered on the death of an incumbent elected state officer for seven days beginning on the day following the death of the officer.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why flags are at half-staff in Arizona? Here's what to know
