Why are flags at half-staff this Sunday in Florida?

American flags lowered to half mast in bright blue sky – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by lazyllama

On Sunday in Florida, flags will be flown at half-staff in remembrance of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day.

Flags were ordered to be lowered for the 42nd commemoration of the yearly day of memorial by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

“Each year, we honor the fallen firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting their communities,” a memo from the governor’s office stated. “The National Fallen Firefighters Monument, located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, pays tribute to all of the valiant firefighters in the United States who have died in the line of duty.”

This year’s Memorial weekend will remember 144 firefighters, three of whom are from Florida. Dustin Schieber of the Seminole County Fire Department, Chris Allen of Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety, and Eric Siena of Orange County Fire Rescue “will be remembered for their brave sacrifice and dedication to their communities,” the statement stated.

Jimmy D. Riley Jr., a firefighter from Plant City, was one of five Florida firemen recognized at the memorial service the previous year.

On Sunday, it was ordered that the American and Florida state flags be flown at half-staff all day.


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