Date: May 15, 2021 at 1:33:02 PM EDT
Subject: Peace Officers Memorial Day/Armed Forces Day Information
Good Afternoon Everyone:
We have recently been in touch with many of you about Peace Officers Memorial Day, the White House Proclamation and whether flags would be flown at half-staff so we’re writing today to give some additional details. This weekend is a once-in-a-decade scenario based on the flag code.
Although the flag is typically flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day (hence the standard language), that should not take place when “that day is also Armed Forces Day.” 4 U.S.C. § 7(m). This year, Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May) coincides with Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15). As a result, flag code dictates that the flags should not be lowered today. Here I [sic] a link to the Federal law (see subparagraph (m): https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/4/7
The President stands by the message of his proclamation and his long time commitment to working with law enforcement to build safer communities. We hope that you will share this information with your memberships.
Thanks so much and, as always, we appreciate all you do.
Trey Baker
Senior Advisor for Public Engagement
The White House
