Tributes and memorial services are happening across North Carolina and the United States in honor of the nearly 3,000 people who died in the largest terrorist attack on U.S. soil on Sept. 11, 2001.
Friday, Sept. 11, marks the 25th anniversary of a coordinated terrorist attack in the United States in which two commercial planes hit the World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York City, another smaller aircraft crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and another aircraft was forced down by passengers in Pennsylvania.
The day of the attacks is still a very visceral memory for many. But for others, it has become a lesson in history books and is marked with ceremonies remembering those killed and the bravery shown by many others on Patriot
Day, including the lowering of flags.
Why are flags lowered in North Carolina today, Sept. 11?
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein announced the lowering of flags in the state, in accordance with President Donald Trump's proclamation, in honor and remembrance of 9/11.
"On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives who were killed that day, hundreds of first responders who died because of their heroic efforts, and countless others whose lives were forever changed. Just as much as the horrific images from that day are seared in our minds, so are the heroes who responded," read a release from his office.
Flags will remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, Sept. 11, in tribute to Patriot Day, also known as the National Day of Service and Remembrance
Why do flags fly at half-staff?
According to USA.gov, the U.S. flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning.
The flag can be ordered to fly at half-staff by the president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia.
Here are the events that usually trigger it:
- The death of a government official, military member, or first responder
- A national tragedy
- Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance
Where do flags fly at half-staff or half-mast?
A presidential order requires flags be flown at half-staff at the White House, all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels in the United States and its territories. Flags at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities, naval vessels, and stations, will also be flown at half-staff.
A state-issued flag change comes from the governor, and flags at the state capitol building and/or all state- or county-run public facilities are lowered to half-staff.
Is it half-staff or half-mast?
On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast.
Elsewhere ashore, flags are flown at half-staff.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Why are flags in North Carolina at half-staff today, Sept. 11?
