Bush Orders US Flags to Half-Staff for Tsunami Victims

President George W. Bush on Saturday issued a directive lowering American flags to half-staff in tribute to those killed by the Indian Ocean earthquake and the tsunamis it set off.

Under the order, flags will be lowered beginning Monday and remain at half-staff through 7 January. Bush issued the directive in a formal White House statement, describing it as a mark of respect for the victims of the earthquake and resulting waves.

The order applies broadly across official US locations. The White House, federal public buildings, military posts, and naval stations across the country are all covered.

US diplomatic facilities abroad fall under the directive as well. Embassies, legations, consular offices, and other official American premises overseas will also fly their flags at half-staff during the same period.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in January 2005, in its own words.