President Obama today signed a presidential proclamation ordering American flags at all federal buildings flown at half-mast until sunset Aug. 30 in honor of Sen. Ted Kennedy, who died late Tuesday night.
Obama also ordered flags to fly at half-mast on the day of Kennedy’s burial.
Here’s the full text:
Senator Edward M. Kennedy was not only one of the greatest
senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans
ever to serve our democracy. Over the past half-century, nearly
every major piece of legislation that has advanced the civil
rights, health, and economic well-being of the American people
bore his name and resulted from his efforts. With his passing,
an important chapter in our American story has come to an end.As a mark of respect for the memory of Senator Edward M.
Kennedy, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the
Constitution and laws of the United States of America, that
the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at
the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at
all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels
of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and
throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions
until sunset on August 30, 2009. I also direct that the flag of
the United States shall be flown at half-staff until sunset on
the day of his interment. I further direct that the flag shall
be flown at half-staff for the same periods at all United States
embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities
abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and
stations.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord
two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.BARACK OBAMA
