President Donald Trump ordered the American flag be flown at half-staff across the Nation last week, and the Creighton campus complied to honor victims of a church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas. 

Trump called the order a mark of respect for the victims, while issues of respect surrounding to the American flag itself have been the ongoing subject of headlines related to Trump and NFL protests. 

“I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff,” said Trump. “At the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds … until sunset, Nov. 9, 2017.” 

This comes after Trump’s highly publicized tweets and statements in opposition of NFL players protesting the National Anthem, claiming that kneeling during the Anthem is also a sign of disrespect for the American flag. 

“A big salute to Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who will BENCH players who disrespect our Flag,” said Trump in a tweet last month. “Stand for Anthem or sit for game!” 

Less than a month before Trump tweeted that the issue of kneeling was not about race but respect. 

“It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem,” said Trump. 

The tone of the Presidential Proclamation however was somber. 

“As we mourn the victims of this unprovoked act of violence,” said Trump. “we pray for healing and comfort for all the family members and loved ones who are grieving. 

The flags at Creighton were lowered to half-staff to honor the Sutherland Springs victims in the midst of a busy campus. 

“Once Grounds supervisors are aware of the proclamation, a staff member is sent to lower the flags,” Jessica Heller of Facilities Management said in an email. 

“We lower the flags to half-staff about once a month,” added Heller. “Considering they are lowered for some federal holidays, in response to national tragedies, to mark the death of government officials; we only lower the flags due to Presidential Proclamation.” 

While the role of the American flag as a National symbol is debated in headlines the meaning of such observances on campus is not always obvious to passersby. 

“I was driving north on 24th Street when I happened to glance over and see the flags at half-staff,” said Laurie Galeski, who is senior academic coach in the College of Professional Studies. “I was a little confused as to whether it was related to Veterans Day or the tragedy in Texas.” 

The flags at Creighton now stand in their regular position of full-staff until the next holiday or Presidential Proclamation.