A Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2022

IMPORTANT UPDATE - President Biden has proclaimed Tuesday, December 7, 2022, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day; the president urges "all Federal agencies, interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff on December 7, 2021, in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor." "Today and every day, we remember that the great and defining truth about our Nation and our people is that there is nothing beyond our capacity — we do not break, we never give in, and we never back down."

A Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2022

December 6, 2022

On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the memories of the 2,403 service members and civilians whose lives were cut short on that tragic December morning. We reflect on the resilience of America’s Armed Forces, who withstood the attack and built the most capable fighting force the world has ever known. In the wake of tragedy, these brave women and men — the Greatest Generation — answered the call to defend freedom, justice, and democracy across the Pacific, throughout Europe, and around the globe. Today, we carry forward their spirit of unity and their enduring resolve to protect the United States against those who seek to do us harm.

This commemoration is also a solemn reminder that our country is capable of achieving great triumphs coming out of dark moments. From the death and destruction at Pearl Harbor came victory over the forces of fascism. Fierce battles with the Axis powers gave way to diplomatic partnerships with strong allies. And from the darkness of World War II came the light of liberty and the establishment of a rules-based international order. Today and every day, we remember that the great and defining truth about our Nation and our people is that there is nothing beyond our capacity — we do not break, we never give in, and we never back down.

The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.” Today, let us commemorate the patriots who were wounded and who perished on December 7, 1941, and continue to fulfill our sacred obligation to care for our service members and veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2022, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to reflect on the courage shown by our brave service members that day and remember their sacrifices. I ask us all to give sincere thanks and appreciation to the survivors of that unthinkable day. I urge all Federal agencies, interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff on December 7, 2022, in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

A Proclamation on Veterans Day, 2022

A Proclamation on Veterans Day, 2022

November 07, 2022

Today, we honor generations of patriots who have earned the title of “American veteran” — a badge of courage that unites the finest group of former service members the world has ever known. With their selfless sacrifice, our Armed Forces have forged and defended the very idea of America — a promise of freedom and equality, democracy and justice, possibility and hope. We owe them an incredible debt that can never be fully repaid.

Veterans Day is personal to the Biden family. We have felt the pride that comes with seeing your child wear the uniform of the United States and the pain of long deployments far from home. We know what it is like to pray every day for the safe return of someone you love. And we have stood in awe of our veterans who carry the lasting wounds of war. We pledge to continue the work to return our prisoners of war and those still missing in action and commit to remember the sacrifice of the families of those who have served. As both a father and Commander in Chief, I firmly believe that our one truly sacred obligation as a Nation is to properly prepare and equip the brave women and men we send into harm’s way and to care for them and their loved ones when they return home.

That is why I was so proud to sign the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, or PACT Act — the most significant expansion of benefits and services for our veterans in more than 30 years. As the name suggests, the PACT Act fulfills a promise to our veteran community. By funding new facilities, enabling better research, and expanding care and compensation for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service — as well as helping their survivors access life insurance, home loan assistance, tuition benefits, and monthly stipends — we are giving back to those who have given so much for all of us. This law bolsters other bills I have signed this year to improve health care for veterans — from providing mammograms and screenings for service members exposed to toxins to compensating veterans who developed cancer and other medical conditions from our World War II nuclear program. And to ensure we continue to meet our sacred obligation to our veteran families, caregivers, and survivors, the First Lady’s Joining Forces initiative is helping military spouses find jobs, supporting children of service members in classrooms, and extending physical, mental, and emotional services to families.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other Federal agencies are also working around the clock to end veteran suicide and veteran homelessness. As part of a comprehensive public health strategy that we released last year, the VA is funding community-led suicide prevention programs that meet veterans where they are, increasing public awareness about the importance of firearm storage in preventing suicides, and requesting billions more from the Congress to improve mental health care services for patients across the country. At the same time, with funding from my American Rescue Plan, the VA is on track to permanently house 38,000 homeless veterans this year alone.

Fulfilling our Nation’s promise to our veterans and military families also means ensuring that everyone who serves — no matter their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or religious background — feels safe and valued in the ranks. Since coming into office, I have made historic reforms to the military justice system that enhance safety and protections for service members and veterans who have experienced sexual assault or harassment. Secretary McDonough issued a zero-tolerance policy and announced that harassment and sexual assault, including sexual harassment and gender-based harassment, will not be tolerated within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is also a priority for Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who has made preventing sexual assault and restoring the trust in the military justice processes a constant focus. Additionally, we reversed the discriminatory ban on transgender service and directed a review of all policies and practices to ensure greater inclusivity of LGBTQ+ veterans.

In every generation, America’s veterans have been willing to give all for that which we hold sacred — freedom, justice, and democracy. They have served selflessly, sacrificed greatly, and shouldered the burden of freedom quietly, asking no glory for themselves. Today, let us honor them by living up to their example — putting service before self, caring for our neighbors, and working passionately to build a more perfect Union worthy of all those who protect our lives and liberty.

In respect and recognition of the contributions our veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation’s veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2022, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor, courage, and sacrifice of these patriots through appropriate ceremonies and private prayers, and by observing two minutes of silence for our Nation’s veterans. I also call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States of America and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

A Proclamation on National First Responders Day, 2022

A Proclamation on National First Responders Day, 2022

October 27, 2022

On National First Responders Day, we honor the bravery of our Nation’s heroes who put their lives on the line for their fellow Americans each and every day — from law enforcement officers who keep our streets safe and firefighters who rush into burning buildings, to relief workers who care for our families after natural disasters and EMTs, paramedics, and other public health workers who provide life-saving emergency care at a moment’s notice. When tragedies strike, these women and men are always there to help us, and we thank them for their extraordinary service to our country.

I have witnessed up close the courage, character, and valor of first responders across the Nation. In Florida, Puerto Rico, and Kentucky, search and rescue teams swooped in to save lives in the aftermath of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona and historic flooding. In Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico, and California, firefighters battled raging wildfires, even when some of their own homes had been destroyed. In Buffalo, New York, a retired police officer lost his life protecting his community from a mass shooter. Living a life of service and sacrifice is not just what first responders do — it is who they are.

We ask more of our first responders today than ever before. Being a police officer not only means keeping our communities safe but also acting as a counselor and a social worker. Being a firefighter means not only combatting fires in homes and businesses but also suiting up to fight raging wildfires made more frequent and ferocious by the climate crisis. Throughout the pandemic, medical teams and community health workers have been on the frontlines, working around the clock to save lives. Yet, even when first responders are stretched thin, their courage and commitment to service never wavers.

That is why my Administration’s American Rescue Plan committed over $10 billion in funds for public safety and violence prevention, including billions of dollars to recruit and retain first responders, avoid public safety layoffs, and purchase emergency vehicles and other equipment to keep our communities safe. We increased Federal funding for State and local law enforcement by almost 30 percent last year. With my Safer America Plan, I am asking the Congress for additional funding to provide our law enforcement officers with more mental health and wellness resources and to recruit and hire 100,000 more police officers who are trained in safe, effective, and accountable community policing. When it comes to strengthening public safety, the answer is not to defund the police: It is to provide them with the tools, training, and support they need to fight crime and build trust with the communities they are sworn to protect.

The same goes for fighting fires, which is why I, in partnership with the Congress, substantially increased wages for Federal wildland firefighters, implemented new programs to support their mental and physical health, and created a wildland firefighter job series to improve recruitment, retention, and professional opportunities. The American Rescue Plan and the 2023 Budget include combined increases of $320 million for Federal firefighting grants, helping to fund 1,200 more local firefighters, hundreds more emergency response vehicles, and thousands of protective gear sets. In addition, I signed into law the Protecting America’s First Responders Act, reducing red tape for firefighters and other first responders with disabilities to qualify for critical benefits and extending benefits to surviving families of firefighters who lost their lives in training. Because cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters, my Administration created a special unit at the Department of Labor to help process cancer claims, and I am calling on the Congress to pass the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act to ensure cancer patients and their families get the compensation they deserve.

Today and every day, America’s first responders remain on alert and on call, always there for us when we need them. As we celebrate these patriots who have answered the call of duty, we honor the memory of the heroes we have lost. They are woven into the fabric of our national character — embodying the extraordinary selflessness, rare commitment to others, and remarkable bravery that has inspired us for generations. Our first responders remind us that we are a great country because we are made up of good people. Let us renew our commitment as a Nation to standing by them and their families just as they stand by us, shaping a stronger, safer, and more resilient America.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 28, 2022, as National First Responders Day. I call upon all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to honor our brave first responders and to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

A Proclamation on Fire Prevention Week, 2022

MPORTANT UPDATE - President Biden has proclaimed October 9 through October 15, 2022, as Fire Prevention Week, and ordered that on this Sunday, October 9, 2022, in accordance with Public Law 107-51, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. The President called on all Americans to participate in this observance with appropriate programs and activities, and to renew efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences.

A Proclamation on Fire Prevention Week, 2022

October 7, 2022

In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed October 9th the first Fire Prevention Day, calling on the public to learn more about the risks of deadly fires and commemorating the thousands who had lost their lives to these tragedies. More than a century later, our Nation observes Fire Prevention Week by renewing our commitment to fire safety and preparedness and taking steps to prevent fires in our homes, schools, workplaces, and the great outdoors. We also honor the bravery and heroism of our firefighters, who gear up time and again and rush into harm’s way to protect our communities.

In the past year, our Nation has suffered some of its deadliest fires in recent history. Americans have lost their homes and their businesses. Thousands have tragically lost their lives. Wildfires are becoming more frequent and ferocious, destroying neighborhoods and natural resources and displacing families and communities. Super-charged by the climate crisis — which has exacerbated drought conditions and increased temperatures — these devastating wildfires have wiped out millions of acres of forest and so many homes.

Whenever the First Lady and I visit with families in the aftermath of a fire, we witness their incredible courage and resolve — even though, in many cases, they have just lost everything. We see people step up for one another, neighbors take each other in, and local businesses donate essential goods to those in need. With each visit, we are also reminded of the character of our Nation’s firefighters, who put their lives on the line with remarkable selflessness and extraordinary bravery that inspire everyone.

For our firefighters and our communities, we have a responsibility to act now and act fast to mitigate the risk of wildfires. My Administration is investing billions from our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in forest management, including the management of hazardous fuels in high-risk areas and funding the Community Wildfire Defense Grants, which are intended to help at-risk local communities and Tribes plan and reduce the risk against wildfire, and we are safeguarding mature and old-growth forests on Federal lands, a key component of decreasing fire risk. Through our Inflation Reduction Act, we are taking unprecedented steps to protect forest health, prevent fires, and confront the climate crisis — ushering in a new era of clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a billion metric tons.

We are standing by our brave firefighters by substantially increasing wages for Federal wildland firefighters, and have implemented new programs to support their mental and physical health, and established a wildland firefighter job series that will help improve recruitment, retention, and opportunities for professional growth. We invested $350 billion from our American Rescue Plan to help States and cities keep first responders like firefighters on the job during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help States pay for the cost of fighting wildfires and help communities increase resilience, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also approved dozens of Fire Management Assistance Grants and is providing over one billion dollars through its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.

To build on these actions, my Administration is educating the public on fire safety. This week’s theme — “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape” — emphasizes how we must all prepare fire escape plans, test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month and replace them every 10 years, implement appropriate building codes, and when possible, install residential fire sprinklers. For those who live in areas susceptible to wildfire, regularly clearing brush and other vegetation around your homes is another important way to stay safe.

With every home, school, and business destroyed in a fire, precious memories are lost, livelihoods are jeopardized, and dreams are crushed. This National Fire Prevention Week, let us reflect on the importance of remaining vigilant and learning more about fire safety. Let us acknowledge the remarkable service of our Nation’s firefighters and honor the memory of those who have lost their lives protecting others. And let us all work to make these heroes’ jobs more manageable, keep our neighbors safer, and reduce the risk of fires across our country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 9 through October 15, 2022, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 9, 2022, in accordance with Public Law 107–51, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff at all Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. I call on all Americans to participate in this observance with appropriate programs and activities and by renewing their efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance: September 11, 2024

Sunday is the 21st anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress designated September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day,” and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized “National Day of Service and Remembrance.”

In keeping, President Biden has proclaimed September 11, 2022, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. Even though flags are already at half-staff as a mark of respect for Queen Elizabeth II, President Biden has ordered the flag to be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. He has also called on the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. His stirring proclamation is linked in the comments below.

Photo by Jeffmock - Own work, Public Domain, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2188597

A Proclamation on the Death of Queen Elizabeth II

Section 7(m) of the Flag Code provides that that "[i]n the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with the law." President Biden's instruction to retain the flag at half-staff through the day of interment is hence a gesture of great respect, reserved for select high ranking officials (as similarly discussed in that section).

*****

As a mark of respect for the memory of Queen Elizabeth II, on the occasion of her passing, President Biden has ordered that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff immediately, until sunset on the day of interment, which is set for September 19. On that date, Elizabeth will be buried in a prepared tomb at the King George VI Memorial Chapel in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle alongside her husband Prince Philip. President Biden's moving proclamation is linked in the comments.

A Proclamation on the Death of Queen Elizabeth II

September 28, 2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era.

In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her. Queen Elizabeth II led always with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example. She was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special. The seven decades of her history-making reign bore witness to an age of unprecedented human advancement and the forward march of human dignity. Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.

As a mark of respect for the memory of Queen Elizabeth II, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

A Proclamation on the Death Of Abe Shinzo

IMPORTANT UPDATE - As a mark of respect for the memory of Abe Shinzo, former Prime Minister of Japan, and the longest serving in its history, President Biden has ordered that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff immediately (which because of Tuesday's proclamation, they already are), until sunset on July 10, 2022.

A Proclamation on the Death Of Abe Shinzo

July 8, 2022

The longest serving Prime Minister in Japan’s history, Abe Shinzo was a proud servant of the Japanese people and a faithful friend to the United States. He worked with American Presidents of both parties to deepen the Alliance between our nations and advance a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Even in the moment he was attacked and killed, he was engaged in the work of democracy, to which he dedicated his life.

As a mark of respect for the memory of Abe Shinzo, former Prime Minister of Japan, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, July 10, 2022. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Proclamation on Honoring The Victims Of The Tragedy In Highland Park, Illinois

IMPORTANT UPDATE - As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of gun violence perpetrated on our Independence Day, July 4, 2022, in Highland Park, Illinois," President Biden has ordered that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff immediately, until sunset on July 9, 2022.

Proclamation on Honoring The Victims Of The Tragedy In Highland Park, Illinois

July 5, 2022

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of gun violence perpetrated on our Independence Day, July 4, 2022, in Highland Park, Illinois, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, July 9, 2022. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

A Proclamation: Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day 2022

Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service. In observance of the holiday, display the United States flag at Half Staff from sunrise until Noon. "The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff." Flag Code Section 7(m).

A Proclamation: Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day 2022

May 27, 2022

On Memorial Day, we remember the patriots who gave their lives in the service of America, in the service of freedom, and in the service of justice. They made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our Constitution and our democracy. We are free because they were brave, and we live by the light of the flame of liberty they kept burning. They are all heroes, and our Nation is forever grateful.

Those who wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces know the pride of service and what it means to dedicate themselves to a cause greater than themselves. These women and men put their lives on the line for an idea — the idea of America. They are the best of us. On this day, as we honor the fallen angels who consecrated this great Nation and the ideals that we stand for with their blood, we rededicate ourselves to the unending work of bringing our country ever closer to that more perfect Union for which they died.

Today and every day, we ask God to protect our troops, to shine light perpetual upon the fallen, and to bring comfort to their families. To those who mourn a loved one, and to America’s Gold Star Families who have lost a loved one in conflict, my heart aches for you. Our Nation owes you and those you have lost a tremendous debt that we can never fully repay. On Memorial Day, we vow to honor their memories and support the families, caregivers, and survivors they left behind.

As we honor the memories of our fallen heroes, we are grateful for the future they made possible for us and rededicate ourselves to seeking enduring peace. Our heroes gave their lives for our country, and they live forever in our hearts — forever proud, forever honorable, and forever American.

In honor and recognition of all of our fallen service members, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has requested that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer and reflection. The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 30, 2022, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time when people might unite in prayer and reflection. I urge the press, radio, television, and all other information media to cooperate in this observance. I further ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.

I request the Governors of the United States and its Commonwealths and Territories, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

A Proclamation Honoring The Victims Of The Tragedy In Uvalde, Texas

IMPORTANT UPDATE - "As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on May 24, 2022, by a gunman at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas," President Biden has ordered that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff immediately, until sunset on May 28, 2022.

A Proclamation Honoring The Victims Of The Tragedy In Uvalde, Texas

May 24, 2022

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on May 24, 2022, by a gunman at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, May 28, 2022. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

A Proclamation on Remembering the 1,000,000 Americans Lost to COVID-⁠19

IMPORTANT UPDATE - "In memory of the one million American lives lost to COVID-19 and their loved ones left behind," President Biden has ordered that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff immediately, until sunset on May 16, 2022.

A Proclamation on Remembering the 1,000,000 Americans Lost to COVID-⁠19

May 12, 2022

Today, we mark a tragic milestone: one million American lives lost to COVID-19. One million empty chairs around the dinner table. Each an irreplaceable loss. Each leaving behind a family, a community, and a Nation forever changed because of this pandemic. Jill and I pray for each of them.

As a Nation, we must not grow numb to such sorrow. To heal, we must remember. We must remain vigilant against this pandemic and do everything we can to save as many lives as possible. In remembrance, let us draw strength from each other as fellow Americans. For while we have been humbled, we never give up. We can and will do this together as the United States of America.

In memory of the one million American lives lost to COVID-19 and their loved ones left behind, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset May 16, 2022. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

A Proclamation on the Death of Madeleine Korbel Albright

 IMPORTANT UPDATE - As a mark of respect for former Secretary of State Madeleine Korbel Albright and her life of service to our Nation, in view of her passing, President Biden has ordered that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff immediately throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on March 27, 2022. "Madeleine Albright was a force. She defied convention and broke barriers again and again. She was an immigrant fleeing persecution. A refugee in need of safe haven. And like so many before her — and after — she was proudly American."

A Proclamation on the Death of Madeleine Korbel Albright

March 23, 2022

Madeleine Albright was a force. She defied convention and broke barriers again and again. She was an immigrant fleeing persecution. A refugee in need of safe haven. And like so many before her — and after — she was proudly American.

As the devoted mother of three beloved daughters, she worked tirelessly raising them while earning her doctorate degree and starting her career in American diplomacy. She took her talents first to the Senate as a staffer for Senator Edmund Muskie followed by the National Security Council under President Carter. And then to the United Nations where she served as United States Ambassador, and ultimately, made history as our first woman Secretary of State, appointed by President Clinton. A scholar, teacher, bestselling author, and later accomplished business woman, she always believed America was the indispensable Nation, and inspired the next generation of public servants to follow her lead, including countless women leaders around the world. Madeleine was always a force for goodness, grace, and decency — and for freedom.

As a mark of respect for former Secretary of State Madeleine Korbel Albright and her life of service to our Nation, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on March 27, 2022. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.