Lowering of the US and NC Flags to Half-Staff Until Noon for Memorial Day

Photo taken at the 2014 Memorial Day Observance at the Macon County Veterans Memorial Park in Franklin, NC.

In tribute to the sacrifices of our armed services personnel, Governor Roy Cooper has ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities be flown at half-staff on Monday, May 31 until 12 noon in honor of Memorial Day.

Statement from Governor Cooper:

"I am profoundly grateful for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty protecting our country and our freedom. I salute them, their families, their friends and their comrades in arms as we take this day to reflect upon and appreciate their ultimate sacrifice for all of us."

A copy of Governor Cooper's Memorial Day proclamation is posted below.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.

Please note, all North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance to regulations outlined in the US Flag Code.

State of North Carolina

ROY COOPER GOVERNOR

MEMORIAL DAY 2021 BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, since 1868, American have observed Memorial Day to honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of our great nation; and

WHEREAS, North Carolinians have proudly served and continue to serve to protect our freedoms in our nation's wars and conflicts, beginning with the American Revolution in 1776; and WHEREAS, today, approximately 120.000 active-duty military personnel and mort than 720.000 military veterans and their families live in Nonh Carolina. making us the state with the MTh-largest military presence in the United States; and

WHEREAS. North Carolina's military history has played an integral role in the development of our state. as well as our nation. and it is our duty to honor our men and women, and all Americans. who have given their lives in service; and

WHEREAS, more than 13.700 North Carolinians died defending our nation in World War I, World War II. Korea. Vietnam. Desert Storm. Afghanistan. and Iraq; and

WHEREAS, in observance of Memorial Day, communities will gather across ow state to grieve and remember these and other brave soldiers. known and unknown; and

WHEREAS, we owe these men and women. and their loved ones, a debt of gratitude and respect for their honor, valor, selflessness, and sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, on May 31. flags statewide will be lowered to half mast in remembrance of our fallen soldiers and their dedication and commitment to freedom. independence, and the spirit of patriotism:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER. Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 31. 2021. as "MEMORIAL DAY^ in North Carolina. and commend its observance to all citizens.

Roy Cooper Governor

IN WITNESS WHERETO, have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of Nobs Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-sixth day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-one and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.