This comes from a joint resolution of Congress in 2001, which designated that each year American flags should be lowered to half-staff in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Firefighters hands out flags in honor of members who died on 9/11 The New York City Fire Department handed out 343 American flags on Monday, ahead of a procession during the St Patrick’s Day Parade.

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) handed out 343 American flags on Monday, ahead of a procession during the St Patrick’s Day Parade to honor each member who died in the September 11 attacks.