Flags throughout campus and the City of Ames are flying at half-staff in remembrance of victims of Hurricane Katrina.

President George W. Bush issued a proclamation last week for all government, military and public grounds to fly flags at half-staff until sunset Sept. 20, said Susan Gwiasda, City of Ames public relations officer.

Flags are also at half-staff at all U.S. embassies, legations, consular offices and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

“This is a sign of respect and a way to remember victims of the hurricane and let people know we are thinking of them,” Gwiasda said. “Every city government building is flying their flags at half-mast in accordance with the proclamation.”

Ted Wiederholt, adjunct instructor for naval science, said proclamations, such as this one, come for big events, national emergencies or in remembrance of people who have served our country.

“I do think this an appropriate way to honor victims,” Wiederholt said.

A proclamation was also issued by the president to fly flags at half-staff until sunset Sept. 13 for Chief Justice of the United States William Rehnquist, after he passed away last week.