ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 9556ProclamationObama · DCeremonial

Proclamation 9556

Returning the Flag of the United States to Full- Staff

Democracy & GovernanceDemocracy & GovernanceOtherOther

In simple terms

President Obama ordered the U.S. flag returned to full-staff on federal buildings, military installations, naval vessels, and diplomatic facilities worldwide, effective at sunset on December 17, 2016. This ended a period of half-staff observance following the death of a prominent figure.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 93787

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 81 FR 93787

    Federal Register PDF

  3. Flag returned to full-staff at sunset

Key directives

  • Flag shall be flown at full-staff at White House and all public buildings and grounds beginning sunset December 17, 2016
  • Flag shall be flown at full-staff at all military posts and naval stations beginning sunset December 17, 2016
  • Flag shall be flown at full-staff on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in DC, US, Territories and possessions beginning sunset December 17, 2016
  • Flag shall be flown at full-staff at all US embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad including military facilities and naval vessels and stations on December 17, 2016

What to expect

Immediate

  • Flag returned to full-staff at sunset December 17, 2016 on all specified facilities

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Document does not specify which half-staff proclamation this supersedes; prior period of mourning is implied but not named
Proclamation 9556: Returning the Flag of the United States to Full- Staff · Executive Orders