HARTFORD- Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced December 6 that he is directing U.S. and State of Connecticut flags to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The national observation honors the lives lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags - including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise - should also be lowered during this same duration of time.

In addition, the Governor announced that the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge in New Haven - informally known as the Q Bridge - will be illuminated in red, white, and blue lights on the evenings of Wednesday, December 6 and Thursday, December 7, in observation of the remembrance. Beacons will project light upward from the bridge towers from sunset until 1 am during those nights. The bridge is named in honor of those who served during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

"The battle at Pearl Harbor was one of the darkest days in American history and reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices that our troops and their families make in service to our country," Governor Malloy said. "Over 2,400 people - both military and civilian - lost their lives in the attack on that day in 1941 and we continue to honor their bravery and heroism. This day of remembrance is also an opportunity to thank all those who served our country during World War II, courageously responding to the call of duty. And our prayers continue to be with members of the military who are currently deployed around the world - we hope for their safe and speedy return and thank them for their service."

"On December 7, we honor the countless acts of courage and sacrifice that took place at Pearl Harbor and in the years of war that followed," Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. "We are grateful for all our military heroes and commit ourselves to upholding the principles of freedom and democracy for which they fought."