Federal Government honors Fort Hood fallen

November 6, 4:37 PMCable TV ExaminerChristine Nyholm

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President Barack Obama casts a shadow on the wall as he walks to the podium to speak in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Friday, Nov. 6, 2009.
(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

There was a moment of silence held in the U.S. Congress and at U.S. Military bases around the world, out of respect for the people who were killed at the Fort Hood massacre, when suspect Nidal Malik Hasan allegedly opened fire upon unarmed soldiers that were doing their paperwork in preparation for deployment to Iraq. CNN trained cameras on military bases in various locations during the moment of silence, which lasted for approximately four minutes. In addition to the unprecedented moment of silence that united soldiers around the world, U.S. President Barack Obama has ordered that U.S. Flags on federal buildings be flown at half staff until Veteran's Day.

Flying a Flag at Half Staff

Flying a flag at half staff is a symbol of respect and mourning. A flag is a symbol of a living nation and should be treated with respect at all times. People and businesses who wish to join the federal government in flying the flag at half staff can show their respect and mourning along with the nation. According to the Betsy Ross Flag Company website, the proper way to fly a flag at half staff is to raise the flag to the top of the pole and then lower it to the middle of the flagpole.

The Fort Hood Shooting Massacre

CNN reported that the Fort Hood shooting one of the worst massacres at a U.S. Military base on U.S. soil. 13 people were killed and 30 more were injured, according to news reports on CNN.

The suspect in the violent shooting at Ft. Hood, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, 39, is a psychiatrist licensed in Virginia who was practicing at Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood. Hasan iworked with soldiers who suffered from post traumatic disorder (PTSD), an after effect of trauma. PTSD is usually associated with military veterans but can affect anyone who has experienced violent trauma.

Nidal Malik Hasan was scheduled to be deployed to Iraq. Reportedly did not want to go to Iraq and wanted out of the military, which had paid for his medical training. Hasan is a practicing Muslim who was born in the United Stated and is a U.S. citizen. It was reported that Hasan shouted 'Allahu Akbar,' which means “God is Great,” as he opened fire.

Military investigators are waiting to interview suspect Nidal Makil Hasan, who was reported to be on a ventilator but in stable condition, according to a news report on CNN.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is a U.S. National holiday that is commemorated on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, or November 11. The holiday shows respect to the military personnel who have fought in wars that the United States has been involved in, including the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, World War II , the Korean War, The Vietnam War, Desert Storm and the War in Iraq.

The federal government will be flying the U.S. Flags on government building at half staff until Veteran's Day, November 11, 2009.

CNN has been reporting on the Fort Hood for the majority of the day, in a day of bad news. Other top stories have included the shooting in Orlando, Florida the the dire unemployment figures.