President Joe Biden and governors across the U.S. have ordered that flags fly at half-staff on Saturday, December 7, in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This day commemorates the 2,403 service members and civilians who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. Over 1,000 others were injured, multiple battleships were sunk, and 188 aircraft were destroyed in the surprise attack that led to the U.S. entering World War II.
In a proclamation, President Biden called on Americans to remember the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives in the attack and to cherish and uphold the freedoms they fought for. He urged all federal agencies, interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff in recognition of the day. States also issued their own orders to lower flags to honor the victims of Pearl Harbor.
Flying the American flag at half-staff or half-mast is a sign of mourning and respect, as designated by the federal government. The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to be lowered in honor of a government official, military service member, first-responder, national tragedy, or on certain days of remembrance, such as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7. Congress officially designated December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in 1994.
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