Death of Army Corporal Frank W. Buckles, the Last Surviving American Veteran of World War I

In simple terms

President Obama ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff on the day of Army Corporal Frank W. Buckles' interment to honor the last surviving American veteran of World War I. The proclamation applies to the White House, all federal buildings and grounds, military posts, naval stations, embassies, and other U.S. facilities worldwide.

Federal Register Open PDF 76 FR 11935

Record & deadlines

Feb 28, 2011Signed
Signed by the President
Mar 3, 2011FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 76 FR 11935
Federal Register PDF
Date TBD
Flag half-staff on day of Frank W. Buckles' interment until sunset

Key directives

Fly U.S. flag at half-staff at White House and all public buildings and grounds on day of Buckles' interment until sunset
Fly flag at half-staff at all military posts, naval stations, and naval vessels on same day
Fly flag at half-staff at all U.S. embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad including military and naval facilities on same day

What to expect

Immediate

Flag half-staff order takes effect on day of interment

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

Interment date not specified in proclamation, creating implementation uncertainty for facilities
No explicit enforcement mechanism for non-compliance