What’s the reason for the flags flying at half-staff in Ohio?

President Joe Biden is encouraging people in the United States to show their respect for those who died in the Pearl Harbor attack by lowering flags to half-staff on Saturday. This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the tragic event.

Gov. Mike DeWine has also ordered that all flags of the state of Ohio be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds throughout the state. The order goes from midnight to midnight on Dec. 7, the day of the attack in 1941.

Dec. 7 marks National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The day honors the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed. 

A release from the White House said in part, “…We recognize the absolute courage of the service members who, in the wake of this painful and unprovoked attack, stood up to defend democracy and stand up to fascism abroad in World War II.”

“During National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, may we remember the brave patriots whose lives were cut short on this day 83 years ago,” the release said. ” May we honor all the service members who gave their last full measure of devotion to defend democracy in the years that followed.  And may we all recommit to fulfilling the future they fought for — one grounded in freedom, democracy, equality, and opportunity for all.”