President Trump ordered U.S. flags across the country to be flown at half staff Monday afternoon in honor of Arizona Senator John McCain, who passed away over the weekend.
"As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of Senator John Sidney McCain III, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the 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 the day of interment," a signed presidential proclamation states. "I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations."
President Trump also released a statement.
"Despite our differences on policy and politics, I respect Senator John McCain’s service to our country and, in his honor, have signed a proclamation to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff until the day of his interment," Trump said Monday afternoon. "I have asked Vice President Mike Pence to offer an address at the ceremony honoring Senator McCain at the United States Capitol this Friday."
"At the request of the McCain family, I have also authorized military transportation of Senator McCain’s remains from Arizona to Washington, D.C., military pallbearers and band support, and a horse and caisson transport during the service at the United States Naval Academy," he continued. "Finally, I have asked General John Kelly, Secretary James Mattis, and Ambassador John Bolton to represent my Administration at his services."
The White House received harsh criticism Monday after keeping the flags at half staff for only 24-hours. Senator McCain will be buried on Sunday, September 1 in Annapolis at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Flag back at full staff atop WH. Pres Trump did not issue proclamation on the death of @SenJohnMcCain, which usually calls for flags to remain at half-staff through the day of interment, which is Sunday at the @NavalAcademy. pic.twitter.com/NGasNPT0VB
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 27, 2018
Flag atop White House lowered again to half-staff. Pres Trump was urged by GOP and Dem Senate leaders to honor @SenJohnMcCain until his day of interment on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/Org0ZgPXge
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 27, 2018