Why are flags at half mast today in ny

Flags to Half-Staff: Sunrise, Friday, September 30

Flags Return to Full-Staff: Following Lieutenant Russo-Elling's funeral service 

GOVERNOR HOCHUL DIRECTS FLAGS TO HALF-STAFF TO HONOR FALLEN FDNY EMS LIEUTENANT ALISON RUSSO-ELLING      

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags on state buildings will be flown at half-staff on Friday, September 30, in honor of fallen FDNY EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling. Flags should be lowered to half-staff at sunrise on Friday, September 30, and returned to full-staff following Lieutenant Russo-Elling's funeral service.     

"We mourn the loss of Alison Russo-Elling, an EMT Lieutenant who was killed while on duty," Governor Hochul said. "Our hearts are with her family as we honor her life and remember her as a hero. I know all New Yorkers are grateful for her service over more than two decades with FDNY and as a World Trade Center first responder."   

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Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that flags on state buildings will be flown at half-staff Friday in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, who died Thursday.

“Queen Elizabeth II was a force on the world stage for decades and an inspiring female leader who leaves a lasting legacy,” Hochul said in a statement. “New York joins the people of the United Kingdom and all those who are mourning in honoring her life, and we send our prayers to her family.”

In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams also announced all flags on buildings, including stationary flagstaffs, throughout the city to be lowered to half-staff Thursday in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.

“She was committed to a life of service which impacted many,” Adams said in a statement. “She was a global force who will be remembered for her reign of 70 years.”

The city’s Empire State building will light up in purple and sparkle in silver in honor of the Queen. 

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U.S. FLAG POLICY

It is the policy of the Office of Public Safety to provide appropriate arrangements for the display of the United States flags on the exterior of all facilities under its jurisdiction. General guidelines include:

• US flags are flown every day of the year, if weather permits. Weather conditions preventing the display of flags on any day include rain, sleet, or high wind. If weather is inclement at the time of flag-raising, flags should not be flown until conditions improve.

• Flags that are illuminated can fly 24 hours a day.

Flags at Half Staff

The US flag should be displayed at half staff on the days noted below, or on other days by special proclamation of the United States President or New York State Governor.

• Memorial Day - Flags must be flown at half staff until Noon, and at top of the staff for the rest of the day.

• Pearl Harbor Day (December 7) - Flags must be flown at half staff.

• Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) - Flags must be flown at half staff, unless that day also falls on Armed Forces Day.

• Patriot Day (September 11) - Flags must be flown at half staff.

In addition, federal law specifies the following mandatory periods of mourning for which flags must be flown at half staff:

• Thirty days from the date of death of the President or former President of the United States.

• Ten days from the date of death of the Vice President of the United States; the Chief Justice, or a retired Chief Justice of the United States; or the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

• From the date of death until interment of a former Vice President; Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; Secretary of an executive or military department; or a Governor of a state, territory, or possession.

• The day of death and the following day for a member of Congress.

• In the event of death of other officials, former officials or other dignitaries, the flag of the United States, as well as the New York State flag, shall be displayed at half-staff in accordance with such orders or instructions as may be issued by or at the direction of the President of the United States in accordance with recognized customs not inconsistent with the law.

• In addition, New York State law provides that flags may be flown at half staff during special periods of mourning designated by the President of the United States or New York State Governor, and to commemorate the death of a personage of national or state standing, or of a local serviceman, official or public servant who, in opinion of the local agency concerned, contributed to the community.