Death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

President Obama ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide and at all federal facilities abroad until sunset on August 30, 2009, and until sunset on the day of Senator Edward M. Kennedy's interment, as a mark of respect following his death.

Federal Register Open PDF 74 FR 44725

Impact dates

Aug 30, 2009
flags at half-staff until sunset on day of interment

Key directives

U.S. flag flown at half-staff at White House and all public buildings/grounds until sunset August 30, 2009
U.S. flag flown at half-staff until sunset on day of interment
Same flag half-staff requirements apply to all U.S. embassies, legations, consular offices, military facilities, and naval vessels/stations abroad

Timeline

Immediate

flags ordered to half-staff nationwide and abroad

Near term (90d)

flags remain at half-staff through August 30, 2009, and until day of interment

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

Interment date unspecified at time of proclamation, creating operational uncertainty for extended half-staff period