President Joe Biden and governors across the U.S. have directed that flags fly at half-staff on December 7 in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This day commemorates the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed in the surprise attack by Japanese forces on the U.S. naval base on Oahu, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. Over 1,000 people were also injured, and multiple battleships and aircraft were destroyed in the attack. This event compelled the U.S. to enter World War II.
President Biden emphasized the importance of honoring the mission of those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor by being keepers of their legacy and defenders of freedom. He called on federal agencies, organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff to show respect on this day. States have also issued orders to lower flags in observance of this day of remembrance.
Flying the American flag at half-staff is a symbol of mourning, typically ordered by the president, a state governor, or the mayor of Washington, D.C. This gesture is done to honor government officials, military personnel, first responders, or during national tragedies. December 7 was designated as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day by Congress in 1994.
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