Flags at Half-Staff Today in Remembrance of JFK

President Obama has proclaimed today a Day of Remembrance for President John F. Kennedy and ordered that national flags be flown at half-staff.

Kennedy’s was assassinated 50 years ago today, an action that shocked the nation.

“A half century ago, America mourned the loss of an extraordinary public servant,” Obama’s proclamation read in part. “With broad vision and soaring but sober idealism, President John F. Kennedy had called a generation to service and summoned a Nation to greatness. Today, we honor his memory and celebrate his enduring imprint on American history.”

In keeping with Obama’s call for the nation’s governors to also fly their flags at half-staff, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has ordered that the Hawaii state flag shall be lowered at all state offices and agencies from sunrise to sunset today.

Obama also encouraged private citizens to follow suit at their homes and businesses.