Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a memorandum directing all U.S. and Florida state flags to be flown at half-staff on Friday, February 14, 2025, in honor of Marjory Stoneman Douglas Remembrance Day. The solemn observance marks the seventh anniversary of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 17 innocent lives were lost.
On February 14, 2018, a gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, claiming the lives of 14 students and three staff members.
The victims—Alyssa Alhadeff, Scott Beigel, Martin Duque Anguiano, Nicholas Dworet, Aaron Feis, Jaime Guttenberg, Christopher Hixon, Luke Hoyer, Cara Loughran, Gina Montalto, Joaquin Oliver, Alaina Petty, Meadow Pollack, Helena Ramsay, Alex Schachter, Carmen Schentrup, and Peter Wang—are remembered for their bright futures and the profound impact they had on their families, friends, and community.
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“Students, teachers, and faculty showed great courage in the face of danger,” Governor DeSantis stated in the memorandum. “The sacrifices of these heroes, as well as the brave actions of first responders, will never be forgotten.”
In accordance with the governor’s directive, flags will be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout Florida from sunrise to sunset on February 14, 2025. The gesture serves as a tribute to the victims and a reminder of the enduring need for school safety and community resilience.
“In memory of these lives lost, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff,” DeSantis wrote.
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