When nationally recognized events identified by trauma and horror come to pass over America and its population, it has become something of a common courtesy for communities to lower their flags to half mast. While in the past this measure has commonly been associated with unfortunate deaths of “principal figures” within the U.S. government, over time it has transformed to acknowledge a nationwide period of mourning.

The flags are lowered to half staff out of respect for those affected by the said horrifying event, and they help people to remember the incident for as long as grieving seems necessary. While I attend college in Pennsylvania, I’ve tried to notice the position of the flags around campus, and most have been lowered to half mast due to the news of a horrible school shooting just last week in Parkland, Florida. While some people may have been affected and others not, lowering the flags after such a shocking event is a way of uniting us (and frankly, forcing us) into a much needed awareness of the state of our country.

As an undivided nation characterized by our sophistication, it’s only polite that we mourn those who have died and their families alike. Wherever you go, regardless of who you are or your relationship to the trauma, there is no way to avoid the observation of these flags. Even though the lowered placement of the American flag may only be temporary, this visual provides Americans with a reminder of what has happened and encourages the empathy which we all should feel during this time of horror.

The flags we see day after day are now at this low level to reflect the morale within citizens of this country during such a disheartening time. February 14th of 2018 was a terrible day, not only for the residents and families of Parkland but for the U.S. as a whole.

This happening has opened American eyes to the evils that clearly slip in through the cracks of our society, and this day will always be remembered by people everywhere. Although the resulting emotions for some are only temporary, for others they are undeniably permanent.

For the time being, the best thing we can do is think of those whom have been hurt as we see our flags each day. Out of respect and support for one another, regardless of if you know the victims or not, remember them always and empathize for the surely indescribable pain which may never leave their minds.