”(2) all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States and interested organizations and individuals to display the flag of the United States at halfstaff on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001; and’

When Fink followed the Kia and made a U-turn, he was struck by a semitrailer truck. Fink was transported to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Half-mast refers to flags flown on ships, while half-staff is used for flags flown on land, at least in the U.S. In Canada and Britain, even flags flown on land are referred to being at half-mast, according to federalflags.com.

"On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we recognize the incredible courage of our nation’s police officers and honor the fallen heroes, whose ultimate sacrifice we can never repay."

"Let us honor the memory of those who have fallen in service to their fellow Americans.  Let us recommit to supporting the people in uniform and their families, who ensure the safety of our communities all across the Nation."

”§ 144. Patriot Day”(a) DESIGNATION.-September 11 is Patriot Day.”(b) PROCLAMATION.-The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on-

Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 marks the 23 year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93 which crashed in suburban Pennsylvania. Patriot Day serves as a remembrance of the lives lost on that September morning.

"Every day, police officers pin on their shields and walk out the door, rushing into harm’s way to keep the rest of us safe. Being a police officer is more than what they do — it is who they are," Biden said.

Flying the flag at half-staff is a "solemn and widely recognized gesture that signifies mourning, respect, or remembrance," according to federalflags.com.

"It is important that people throughout our country know and understand the problems, duties, and responsibilities of their police departments and that members of our law enforcement agencies recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence or disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression or intimidation," Kennedy said in the 1962 proclamation.

"On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, let us show our gratitude for all the women and men of our Nation’s law enforcement community, who make extraordinary sacrifices every day," President Joe Biden said in a proclamation released Friday.

Fink, 26, died Feb. 2 while pursuing a white Kia northbound on Interstate 95 in St. Lucie County. The driver had entered the southbound lanes and begun traveling the wrong way on the highway.

‘(3) the people of the United States to observe a moment of silence on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001.”..

"National Police Week offers honor, remembrance, and peer support, while allowing law enforcement, survivors, and citizens to gather and pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty," PoliceWeek.org said.

There have been 58 deaths of police officers in the line of duty so far in 2024, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. One off the officers served in Florida: Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Zachary Fink.

"National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others," according to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

”(1) State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate programs and activities;

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 at National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week.

By a joint resolution approved 12/18/2001, (Public Law 107-89) has designated September 11th of each year as “Patriot Day” which also directs the flags be lowered to half-staff for the entire day on September 11.