Why flags will be lowered on Wednesday
Story at a glance
- Wednesday is one of two days in which federal law requires American flags be lowered to half-staff.
- On Wednesday, the American flag will be flown from sunup to sundown at half-staff to honor Peace Officers Memorial Day.
- The day honors local, state and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - On Wednesday, the American flag will be flown from sunup to sundown at half-staff to honor Peace Officers Memorial Day.
It is one of two days in which federal law requires American flags be lowered to half-staff. The other is Memorial Day.
Peace Officers Memorial Day is on May 15 each year. It is set aside to honor local, state and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
"On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we recognize the incredible courage of our Nation’s police officers and honor the fallen heroes, whose ultimate sacrifice we can never repay," the White House said in a proclamation statement.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said in a press release that peace officers "put their lives on the line daily to serve our communities.”
“Peace Officers Memorial Day serves as a time to recognize their sacrifices. Their courage and commitment will never be forgotten,” she said.
Memorial Day, which honors U.S. military personnel who have died while serving, will be observed on May 27.