U S President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott have issued proclamations that U S and Texas flags, respectively, are to be lowered to half staff until sunset May 22, 2018. The proclamations were made following a shooting at Santa Fe High School in Galveston County.
In President Trump’s proclamation, he stated, “Our Nation grieves with those affected by the shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas. May God heal the injured and may God comfort the wounded, and may God be with the victims and with the victims’ families. As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on May 18, 2018, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, May 22, 2018. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”
Governor Abbott’s proclamation says, “The devastating act sustained by the Santa Fe High School community today has deeply touched the core of who we are as caring people. As such, it is fitting that flags should be lowered to half-staff in memory of those who lost their lives. Therefore, pursuant to Chapter 3100 of the Texas Government Code, I direct the Texas flag be immediately lowered to half-staff statewide on Friday, May 18, 2018, in memory of those who lost their lives. Flags should remain at half-staff through sunset on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. Flags should be returned to full-staff on the following day. Individuals, businesses, municipalities, counties and other political subdivisions and entities are encouraged to fly their flags at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of honor and respect. The First Lady and I extend our prayers of comfort to the survivors and the families of the victims and we will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
