Malloy directs flags to half-staff

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is directing U.S. and state flags to be lowered to halfstaff from sunrise to sunset Thursday in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

The national observation honors the lives lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags — including state, municipal, corporate or otherwise — also should be lowered during this same duration of time, according to a release from the governor’s office.

“The battle at Pearl Harbor was one of the darkest days in American history and reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices that our troops and their families make in service to our country,” Malloy said in the release. “Over 2,400 people — both military and civilian — lost their lives in the attack on that day in 1941, and we continue to honor their bravery and heroism. This day of remembrance is also an opportunity to thank all those who served our country during World War II, courageously responding to the call of duty. And our prayers continue to be with members of the military who are currently deployed around the world — we hope for their safe and speedy return and thank them for their service.” In addition, the governor announced the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge in New Haven — informally known as the Q Bridge — will be illuminated in red, white and blue lights Wednesday and Thursday evenings in observation of the remembrance. Beacons will project light upward from the bridge towers from sunset until 1 a.m., according to the release. The bridge is named in honor of those who served during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

“On December 7, we honor the countless acts of courage and sacrifice that took place at Pearl Harbor and in the years of war that followed,” Lt. Gov.Nancy Wyman said in the release. “We are grateful for all our military heroes and commit ourselves to upholding the principles of freedom and democracy for which they fought.”