In honor of the victims of the gurudwara shootings in Wisconsin, US President Barack Obama had ordered that all their flags should be flown at half-staff till 10th of August in all the US government buildings and also the diplomatic missions abroad.

He said, "As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence in Oak Creek, Wisconsin,...I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon 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, August 10, 2012," in a proclaimation.

He had also added that the United States embassies, consular offices, legation and other facilities overseas which include the naval vessels, stations and military facilities should have the flag at the same length, half staff.

In the shootings in the Oak Creek area by a army veteran, Wade Micheal Page, six people were confirmed dead and three were in critical condition.

"Ordering the flying of US flags at half-staff at the White House and all buildings representing the US government is a great way to honour the victims and it represents the collective spirit of this nation," Rajwant Singh, chairman of the Washington-based Sikh Council on Religion and Education, said.

He added that this conveyed the government's intent that it was not merely a Sikh tragedy but an American tragedy. He said that he would offer prayers for the police officers who had risked their lives to save the Sikhs.

(AW- Anil)