Death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Proclamation 10081 of September 18, 2020

Death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Today, our Nation mourns the loss of a trailblazer, not
only in the field of law, but in the history of our
country. Ruth Bader Ginsburg served more than 27 years
as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the
United States. She was a loving wife to her late
husband Martin, and a caring mother to her two children
Jane and James.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an inspiration to all
Americans. Having lost her older sister and mother
before graduating high school, she entered law school
as both a wife and a mother, and one of the few women
in her class. After graduating from law school in 1959,
she worked tirelessly for more than 34 years as a
litigator and jurist and, in 1993, she became just the
second woman to sit on the Supreme Court of the United
States. Renowned for her powerful dissents at the
Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg epitomized powerful yet
respectful argument; that you can disagree with someone
without being disagreeable to them. Justice Ginsburg's
work helped bring about greater equality for women,
secure rights for the disabled, and will continue to
influence our Nation for generations to come. In
addition to her quick mind, she brought flair to the
bench with her stylish jabots and her warm friendships
among colleagues, even those with whom she often
disagreed, most notably with the late Justice Antonin
Scalia.

A fighter to the end, Justice Ginsburg defeated cancer
and the odds numerous times--all while continuing to
serve on the Court. Her commitment to the law and her
fearlessness in the face of death inspired countless
``RBG'' fans, and she continues to serve as a role
model to countless women lawyers. Her legacy and
contribution to American history will never be
forgotten.

As a mark of respect for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate
Justice of the United States, I hereby order, by the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of
the United States of America, including section 7 of
title 4, United States Code, that the flag of the
United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White
House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all
military posts and naval stations, and on all naval
vessels of the Federal Government in the District of
Columbia and throughout the United States and its
Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of
interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown
at half-staff for the same period at all United States
embassies, legations, consular offices, and other
facilities abroad, including all military facilities
and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
fifth.