Governor Orders Flags Lowered for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

On November 30, Governor Bob Ferguson issued an order designating December 7, 2025, as a day for lowering flags at state agency facilities to mark National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. In the directive the governor wrote, "I hereby direct that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, December 7, 2025, for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day." The day honors Americans killed or injured in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, a commemoration established by Congress in 1994.

The governor also provided timing flexibility for agencies, stating, "I have no objection to agencies lowering the flags at the close of business on Friday, December 5, 2025." Flags are to remain at half staff until close of business or sunset on Sunday, December 7, 2025, or first thing Monday morning, December 8th. The directive applies to Washington State and United States flags displayed at state agency facilities across the state, which includes any such properties located in Island County.

For Island County residents, the order means that visitors to state agency locations will see flags lowered as a visible sign of remembrance. The directive does not automatically change operations at local or county offices unless those entities choose to follow the practice. Municipal governments, schools, private businesses and community organizations may choose to observe the day in their own ways. Residents seeking formal ceremonies or additional programming should consult local veteran organizations and municipal calendars for event listings.

Lowering flags for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is a longstanding protocol intended to foster collective reflection on a pivotal event in national history. For local leaders and residents the gesture serves as both a public symbol and a reminder of the role of civic observances in acknowledging military service and sacrifice.