in effect
This is a presidential proclamation (Proclamation 10995), signed December 4, 2025, ordering U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for Specialist Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia Army National Guard. It is a formal executive action issued under the President’s constitutional authority.
On December 4, 2025, U.S. flags were required to be lowered to half-staff and kept there until sunset of that same day. The order applied to the White House, all federal public buildings and grounds, military posts, naval stations, and naval vessels within the United States, its territories, and possessions. It also extended to all U.S. embassies, consular offices, and other U.S. government facilities abroad, including overseas military installations and naval vessels.
Federal agencies, military installations, and diplomatic posts worldwide were required to lower their flags for the specified period. Private citizens and organizations were not legally required to comply, though they are traditionally invited to do so as a sign of respect.