This comes from a joint resolution of Congress in 2001, which designated that each year American flags should be lowered to half-staff in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

“We mourn these fallen heroes and ensure that ... death and the following day for a member of Congress. The governor can also order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff on the death of ...

Illinois flags are flying at half-staff this week in remembrance of a fallen soldier and Joliet father who was killed in a training accident last month.