Proclamation 9377-Honoring the Victims of the Attack in San Bernardino, California
Issued 2015-12-03 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
This proclamation orders the American flag to be flown at half-staff to honor the victims of the gun violence that occurred in San Bernardino, California, on December 2, 2015. The order applies to all federal buildings and grounds, including the White House, military posts, naval stations, and government vessels throughout the United States and its territories. It also covers U.S. embassies, consular offices, and military facilities overseas. The flags remained at half-staff through December 7, 2015.
This is a ceremonial action that affects how flags are displayed at government facilities. It does not create new laws or impose requirements on private citizens or businesses—only federal government properties are directed to lower their flags. Such proclamations have been issued by presidents since George Washington as a way to express national mourning and respect.
The proclamation represents a traditional presidential role in marking solemn occasions on behalf of the nation. It required no congressional approval and faced no constitutional challenges, as it falls within the longstanding executive tradition of issuing ceremonial declarations that bring public attention to significant events without carrying legal force beyond the symbolic act of lowering flags.
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 9377-Honoring the Victims of the Attack in San Bernardino, California" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to honoring the victims of the attack in san bernardino. 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 9377—Honoring the Victims of the Attack in San Bernardino, California December 3, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As a mark of respect for the victims of gun violence perpetrated on December 2, 2015, in San Bernardino, California, 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 through December 7, 2015. 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 third day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. <FONT s