The American flag over the United States Capitol is flying at half-staff this morning, to honor the five soldiers who were shot and killed in Chattanooga last week.
In a statement, House Speaker John Boehner explained why he chose to recognize their deaths.
“Out of respect for their courageous service and sacrifice to our nation, flags at the U.S. Capitol are being lowered to half-staff,” he said.
The flags @USCapitol stand at half-staff today in honor of the brave service members we lost in #Chattanooga. pic.twitter.com/N24p7aCIrc
— Speaker John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) July 21, 2015
Members of Congress will also hold a moment of silence on the House floor today in their memory.
“We will continue to pray for their loved ones and also take action to protect our men and women in uniform who protect all Americans,” Boehner concluded.
Boehner’s move comes a day after White House officials declined to explain why the President had not ordered the flag flown at half-staff to honor the fallen.
In the past, Obama has ordered the flags at half-staff following the shootings at Newtown Elementary High School, the Boston bombing, and the massacre at Ft. Hood.
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