Kings Point, N.Y., December 6, 2013 – As a mark of respect for the memory of Nelson Mandela, and in memory of those who were killed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the flag at the United States Merchant Marine Academy will be flown at half-staff through Monday.   Superintendent, Rear Admiral James A. Helis said, “We remember those whose lives were dedicated to serving others and making the world better for future generations.  We honor them by carrying out their legacy of service and leadership.”

In a proclamation issued this morning, President Barak Obama has ordered “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, December 9, 2013. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.” 

President Obama said, “The United States has lost a close friend, South Africa has lost an incomparable liberator, and the world has lost an inspiration for freedom, justice, and human dignity.

Tomorrow, is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, the President issued a separate proclamation stating, “ I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff this December 7 in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.”

To read each proclamation in its entirety, please click Related Links to the right of this article.