Thaindian News

By Rohit Dave

Aug 27 (IBNS) All flags were ordered to be flown at half-mast on all official US buildings following the death of Ted Kennedy, according to a presidential proclamation by Barack Obama Wednesday.

“As a mark of respect for the memory of Senator Edward M Kennedy, 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,” the proclamation said.

The order included flags at “all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels… throughout the United States and its territories and possessions.”

Flags must remain at half-mast until sunset on Sunday and be lowered again until sunset on the day of Kennedy’s burial, it said. The date of the senator’s interment is still to be announced.

Obama’s proclamation paid tribute to “not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.

“Over the past half-century, nearly every major piece of legislation that has advanced the civil rights, health, and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. With his passing, an important chapter in our American story has come to an end,” the proclamation said.