The US and Canadian National Flags are at half-mast in several of the countries’ states beginning from April 27. The lowering of flags is going to continue by the end of April 28 because of the National Day of Mourning. It is also known as, the Workers’ Mourning Day. To commemorate and remember the sacrifices made by persons killed or injured in the workplace, America’s Star-Spangled Banner, and Canada’s maple leaf flag have been lowered in several of the countries’ locations on Saturday.

The city of Ottawa, capital of Canada, decided to lower its flags following a decision taken by the members of the Council, committees, and City Hall. The flags at all City of Ottawa sites will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, according to the city’s official website. A similar decision was also taken by the city of Orilla.

“The flags at Orillia City Centre, Orillia Opera House, Orillia Fire Station 1, the Orillia Recreation Centre, and Rotary Place have been lowered to half-mast beginning today (April 27) to observe the National Day of Mourning on April 28,” the City of Orilla in Canada posted on X through its official social media handle. The flags would be raised on April 29.

Not just in Canada, several places in the United States including cities as well as states are observing the National Day of Mourning (Workers’ Mourning Day) for persons killed or injured in the workplace.

This day honors those who have died in their acts of work and pledges to stop crises like this one in the future. Since receiving official recognition from the Canadian government in 1991, it has expanded to almost 80 nations worldwide.