Across South Carolina and throughout the country, American flags have been lowered to half-staff in observance of Patriot Day, following official executive directives issued by both President Donald Trump and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. The joint actions serve as a solemn tribute to the thousands of lives lost during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
This year's observance marks the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, representing a significant milestone in modern American history. Government agencies, public buildings, and community organizations across the Palmetto State and nationwide have joined together in quiet reflection to mark the occasion and pay tribute to those who perished.
The events of September 11, 2001, remain the deadliest foreign attack on American soil. On that morning, coordinated hijackings resulted in two commercial airliners striking the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing both skyscrapers to collapse. Another hijacked aircraft struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, while a fourth plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after brave passengers fought back against the hijackers.
In total, nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives during the catastrophic strikes. The victims included office workers, airline passengers and crew members, military personnel, and hundreds of courageous first responders who rushed directly into danger in an effort to save others.
A quarter of a century later, the memory of that devastating day continues to resonate deeply across different generations. For millions of Americans who lived through the events, the day evokes intense and lingering memories. For younger generations who have grown up in the years since, the tragedy serves as a poignant chapter in history books, brought to life each year through nationwide memorial services, public moments of silence, and symbolic tributes like the lowering of flags.
In an official statement released by Governor McMaster’s office, state leaders emphasized the importance of national solidarity and remembrance. The announcement highlighted that President Trump had formally proclaimed Friday, September 11, 2026, as Patriot Day, calling upon public officials, organizations, and private citizens to lower the United States flag in solemn remembrance of the victims.
In direct alignment with the presidential directive, Governor McMaster ordered all state-maintained flags across South Carolina to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday. The order ensures that state government facilities, local public offices, and civic centers throughout the region stand in unison with the national observance.
According to federal guidelines outlined by USA.gov, the lowering of the American flag to half-staff or half-mast is a formal gesture utilized when a state or the nation as a whole enters an official period of mourning. The tradition represents a shared visual manifestation of grief, honor, and respect.
Under established United States flag protocols, only specific leaders possess the legal authority to order public flags to be lowered. This authority is restricted exclusively to the President of the United States, state governors within their respective jurisdictions, and the Mayor of the District of Columbia.
Proclamations of this nature are traditionally triggered by specific circumstances. These include the death of key government figures, foreign dignitaries, fallen military personnel, or first responders killed in the line of duty. Flags are also lowered in the immediate aftermath of major national tragedies and on designated annual days of remembrance, such as Memorial Day and Patriot Day.
When a presidential proclamation is issued, its jurisdiction is extensive. Federal law mandates that flags be lowered at the White House, all federal public buildings and grounds, domestic military bases, and naval stations. The directive additionally extends across all naval vessels operating within United States waters and designated territories.
The scope of a presidential order also reaches far beyond domestic borders. United States embassies, consular posts, diplomatic legations, and American military installations situated across the globe are required to lower their flags to honor the nation’s designated period of mourning.
By contrast, orders issued independently by a state governor apply specifically within state boundaries. Under state-level directives, flags are lowered at the state capitol complex, courthouses, state agency headquarters, and various county-run and municipal public properties.
While the terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, official protocol maintains a clear distinction between "half-staff" and "half-mast." The term "half-mast" is technically reserved for flags displayed aboard ships, naval vessels, and at maritime naval stations ashore. When flags are lowered on traditional flagpoles on land, the proper designation is "half-staff."
As communities throughout South Carolina observe Patriot Day, the lowered banners serve as a visible reminder of resilience and unity. The annual tradition honors the enduring legacy of the victims and the extraordinary bravery demonstrated on one of the most defining days in the nation's history.
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