Last updated on: May 23, 2026

Half – Staff Alert Police Officer’s Memorial Day – May 15th

Peace Officers Memorial Day was created on October 1, 1961, when Congress asked the president to designate May 15 to honor peace officers. John F. Kennedy signed the bill into law on October 1, 1962. Amended in 1994, Bill Clinton, through Public Law 103-322, directed that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff on May 15. According to a proclamation by George W Bush in 2002,

“Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week pay tribute to the local, State, and Federal law enforcement officers who serve and protect us with courage and dedication. These observances also remind us of the ongoing need to be vigilant against all forms of crime, especially to acts of extreme violence and terrorism.”

See our previous blog regarding Flag Flying days for a full list of days to fly your American Made US Flag.

Do you need a flag?

If you’re interested in purchasing a flag to fly on Memorial Day, please visit our pages for American Flags and Armed Forces/POW-MIA Flags. If you have any other questions about flags, please contact us.

About the Author
Stacey Stewart

Stacey Stewart

Stacey Stewart is the co-owner of Fly Me Flag, a family-run, woman-owned flag company based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, specializing in commercial and residential flagpole installation, maintenance, and American-made flags. Since taking ownership in 2017, Stacey has helped grow the business into a trusted partner to organizations, municipalities, and homeowners across Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, and beyond. 

A flag industry leader, she serves on the Board of Directors of the National Independent Flag Dealers Association. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a Master of Public Health from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.