Proclamation 9470-Honoring the Victims of the Attack in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Issued 2016-07-18 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
On July 18, 2016, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation ordering flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the victims of an attack on police officers that occurred the previous day in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The proclamation directed that the American flag be lowered at the White House, all public buildings and grounds, military posts, naval stations, and federal vessels throughout the United States and its territories from July 18 until sunset on July 22, 2016. The same flag-lowering was also ordered at all U.S. embassies, consular offices, and military facilities abroad.
This proclamation affects all federal properties and facilities, both domestic and international. When you visit a federal building, military base, or U.S. embassy during this period, you would have seen the flag at half-staff as a visible sign of mourning and respect for the fallen officers.
This is a ceremonial action that presidents have issued since George Washington. It does not create new laws, spend federal money, or place legal requirements on private citizens. The proclamation simply expresses the nation's sentiment and draws public attention to honoring the victims of this attack. Such ceremonial proclamations are a traditional part of presidential duties and require no congressional approval.
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 9470-Honoring the Victims of the Attack in Baton Rouge, Louisiana" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to honoring the victims of the attack in baton rouge. 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, 2016 Proclamation 9470—Honoring the Victims of the Attack in Baton Rouge, Louisiana July 18, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As a mark of respect for the victims of the attack on police officers perpetrated on Sunday, July 17, 2016, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 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 United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, July 22, 2016. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fir