Politics & Government

Why Are Flags at Half Staff?

Some people have asked why many flags are at half staff on Tuesday.

Flags at government buildings are at half staff on Tuesday in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week.

In Hamilton, Police Memorial Week will be observed on Sunday, May 20 at 9 a.m. with a observance at the Hamilton Police Memorial in , according to Sgt. Stephen Trepanier.

The observance is being organized by the Hamilton Police Relief organization and the guest speaker will be Dr. Timothy Johnson, the headmastere at .

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"Police Officers Memorial Day honors and remembers police officers who gave their lives while on duty and those who served the town of Hamilton," Trepanier said in announcing the observance.

In his note to local governments, Gov. Deval Patrick's note reads:

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"Please be advised that in accordance with President Barack Obama’s proclamation, Gov. Deval L. Patrick has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week."

Patrick said the order applies to the main or administration building of each public institution (for example, and ); other state-owned or state-controlled buildings and all state military installations


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