ST. THOMAS — Following a proclamation President Barack Obama signed on Tuesday that calls for all U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff on the White House and all public buildings and grounds under federal jurisdiction in honor of the victims of the tragedy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Acting Commissioner of Finance, Valdamier Collens, who served as the territory’s Governor while Kenneth Mapp was off island, signed a proclamation so the territory’s flags could be flown at half-staff as well, according to a press release Government House issued on Wednesday.
“I join President Obama and the Nation in honoring the service members who were slain in Chattanooga, and further honor the many Virgin Islanders who continue to sacrifice their lives in protection of this country,” Collens said. “Accordingly, it is appropriate that the Territorial Flags be flown at half-staff for the length of time as ordered in President Obama’s Proclamation.”
All flags located at Government House and on the grounds of all public buildings will be flown at half-staff territory-wide until the sun sets on July 25, the press release stated.
On July 16, 24-year-old Kuwaiti-born Mohammod Youssuf Abdulazeez opened fire on a military recruiting station, then rushed to a another military site where he killed four United States Marines. The rampage left another victim fatally wounded and two others injured before Abdulazeez was killed in a gun battle with police, according to the New York Times.
Feature Image: Territory’s flags being flown in Sunny Isle on Thursday. They are expected to be lowered sometime today.
Tags: Chattanooga, Tennessee shooting, us flags half-staff
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