Sunita Somvanshi
On September 11, 2026, American flags at federal buildings across the country are flying at half-staff. The White House issued a proclamation on September 9 directing federal departments and agencies to display the U.S. flag at half-staff on September 11 as part of Patriot Day observance.
Patriot Day was established by Congress through Public Law 107-89. It marks September 11 each year in remembrance of the 2,977 people killed in the terrorist attacks of 2001. The 25th anniversary gives additional weight to the observance.
Flying the flag at half-staff is a traditional sign of respect and mourning.
The federal proclamation applies to federal buildings and federal agencies. It invites governors and territories to join, but it does not itself command state facilities. State and local facilities may be subject to separate state or local flag directives.
If you're wondering whether a particular building in your state is flying flags at half-staff, check your state government's website or contact local officials directly.
Flag protocol also distinguishes between different types of buildings. A federal courthouse might be following federal direction while a county courthouse a few blocks away might be following state or local rules.
