Proclamation 9301-Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Issued 2015-07-21 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
On July 21, 2015, President Obama issued a proclamation honoring service members who were killed in Chattanooga, Tennessee on July 16, 2015. The proclamation orders that the American flag be flown at half-staff at the White House, all public buildings and grounds, military posts, naval stations, and federal facilities throughout the United States and its territories until sunset on July 25, 2015. The same flag-lowering order applies to all U.S. embassies, consular offices, and military facilities abroad.
This proclamation affects all federal buildings and military installations, both in the United States and overseas. The President also used the proclamation to thank the police officers and first responders who stopped the attack and saved lives during the incident.
This is a ceremonial proclamation that expresses national respect for the fallen service members and their families. Presidents have issued similar proclamations since George Washington, and this type of action does not create new laws, direct federal spending, or impose obligations on private citizens—it is purely a symbolic gesture of mourning and solidarity on behalf of the nation.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9301-Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy in Chattanooga, Tennessee" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to honoring the victims of the tragedy in chattanooga. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9301—Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy in Chattanooga, Tennessee July 21, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our thoughts and prayers as a Nation are with the service members killed last week in Chattanooga. We honor their service. We offer our gratitude to the police officers and first responders who stopped the rampage and saved lives. We draw strength from yet another American community that has come together with an unmistakable message to those who would try and do us harm: We do not give in to fear. You cannot divide us. And you will not change our way of life. We ask God to watch over the fallen, the families, and their communities. As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order 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 Un