Why U.S. and Pennsylvania flags are at half-staff May 3

Staff report, USA TODAY NETWORK

Sun, May 3, 2026 at 9:21 AM UTC

United States and commonwealth flags will fly at half-staff across Pennsylvania on Sunday, May 3, through sunset to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s order comes during National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend and extends to commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds. All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate.

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“Every single day, firefighters across Pennsylvania literally run towards danger to keep our neighbors safe from harm ― and we owe it to these heroes to have their backs,” Shapiro said in a statement. “This weekend, as we join together to honor and remember the legacies of service and sacrifice of those we’ve lost, Lori and I pray for the family members and loved ones who are left behind. On behalf of a grateful commonwealth, may their memories be a blessing.”

Shapiro was in Pittsburgh May 2 for the dedication of a memorial at the IAFF Local 1 union hall for firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Flags at half-staff across Pennsylvania May 3, here’s why