South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and President Donald Trump have both issued proclamations to lower flags in remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001, also known as Patriot Day.
Friday, Sept. 11, marks the 25th anniversary of a coordinated terrorist attack in the United States in which two commercial planes hit the World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York City, another smaller aircraft crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and another aircraft was forced down by passengers in Pennsylvania. That day, nearly 3,000 people were killed.
The day of the attacks is still a very visceral memory for many. But for others, it has become a lesson in history books and is marked with ceremonies remembering those killed and the bravery shown by many others on Patriot Day, including the lowering of flags.
"The President of the United States has issued a proclamation declaring Friday, September 11, 2026, as Patriot Day, and calling upon officials, interested parties, and individuals to display the flag of the United States at half-staff in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001," read a statement from McMaster's office.
In accordance with Trump's proclamation, McMaster has also ordered flags in the Palmetto State to be lowered in observance of Patriot Day on Friday, Sept. 11, from sunrise to sunset.
According to USA.gov, the U.S. flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning.
The flag can be ordered to fly at half-staff by the president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia.
Here are the events that usually trigger it:
The death of a government official, military member, or first responder
Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance
A presidential order requires flags be flown at half-staff at the White House, all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels in the United States and its territories. Flags at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities, naval vessels, and stations, will also be flown at half-staff.
A state-issued flag change comes from the governor, and flags at the state capitol building and/or all state- or county-run public facilities are lowered to half-staff.
On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast.
Elsewhere ashore, flags are flown at half-staff.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Why are flags in South Carolina lowered? Trump order for Patriot Day