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LOUISIANA: AUGUST 19-24, 2019

Flags at Half Staff in Honor of Former Gov. Blanco. Read More

IOWA: AUGUST 19,2019

Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all state flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff on Monday, August 19th, 2019 until sunset in honor and remembrance of fallen Lyon County Sheriff's Deputy, Stephanie Schreurs. Deputy Schreurs, a 24-year veteran with the department, died from injuries sustained in the line of duty on Tuesday, August 13th, 2019.

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

KENTUCKY: AUGUST 19, 2019

Gov. Matt Bevin has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff today, in honor of a Kentucky serviceman who was killed in action during World War II, but whose remains were only recently identified.

Navy Fireman 1st Class Billy J. Johnson, 22, of Caney, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Johnson. From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nu'uanu Cemeteries. In September 1947, tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) disinterred the remains of U.S. casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks. The laboratory staff was only able to confirm the identifications of 35 men from the USS Oklahoma at that time. The AGRS subsequently buried the unidentified remains in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu.

In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not be identified as non-recoverable, including Johnson. Between June and November 2015, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) personnel exhumed the USS Oklahoma Unknown remains from the Punchbowl for analysis. To identify Johnson's remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial and material evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis. DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of the Navy for their partnership in this mission. Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, more than 400,000 died during the war. Currently there are 72,692 still unaccounted for from World War II, of which approximately 30,000 are assessed as possibly-recoverable. Johnson's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. Johnson will be buried today in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

All individuals, businesses, organizations, and government agencies are encouraged to join in this tribute of lowering the flag to honor Navy Fireman 1st Class Johnson.

RHODE ISLAND: AUGUST 16 - 20, 2019

Governor Gina M. Raimondo is directing Rhode Island flags at all state agencies and buildings to be flown at half-staff on Friday, August 16, 2019 in memory of former Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Donald Shea.

The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, August 20, 2019, the date of his internment. "As a member of the General Assembly and Supreme Court Justice, Justice Shea served with grace and distinction. He was a lifelong Rhode Islander and dedicated public servant with a world-class legal mind. Andy and I send our condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time." Raimondo also asks Rhode Islanders to lower their flags to half-staff as a mark of respect.

MICHIGAN: AUGUST 16, 2019

Governor Whitmer Orders Flags Lowered for Fallen Firefighter LANSING,

Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags lowered to half-staff on Friday, August 16, 2019, to honor the service of fallen volunteer firefighter Norman Edward Klenow, which will coincide with his military funeral. “In the course of his service, Norman Klenow was incredibly brave and selfless,” Whitmer said. “Our state and our nation will be forever grateful to him for his military service and for his selfless commitment to public safety. Our deepest sympathies are with his family during this difficult time.” A native of East Tawas, Norman Klenow served in the U.S. Navy for three years and served as a firefighter for over 50 years at the East Tawas Fire Department. On August 10, Klenow provided traffic control at a crash scene in the early afternoon, when he began to feel ill. A few hours later he died of cardiac arrest.

Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Saturday, August 17.

ARIZONA: AUGUST 15, 2019

PHOENIX – Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset today, Thursday, August 15, 2019, to honor the life of former Chairman Ronald “Ronnie” Lupe of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, who passed away earlier this week. “For more than five decades, Ronnie Lupe served Arizona, our nation, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe people, including 36 years as Chairman of the Tribe,” said Governor Doug Ducey.

“From driving economic development to helping secure safe drinking water for the Tribe, Ronnie served as a champion for his people. His lifelong dedication to service stands as an example for all Arizonans, and today, our state joins with the White Mountain Apache Tribe to remember and honor the life of Ronnie Lupe. My sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones.” Ronnie Lupe served as Chairman of the White Mountain Apache Tribe for nine terms, a total of 36 years, including serving as the tribe’s youngest Chairman in 1966. He also served as Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians, President of the Apache Alliance and a member of the President's Advisory Board of Northern Arizona University. In addition, former Arizona Governor Jack Williams appointed Lupe to serve as a member of the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs. Lupe joined the United States Marine Corps in 1951, where he was a member of the 1st Marine Division; Item Company; 3rd Battalion; and 1st Marine Regiment. He served in the Korean War.

Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.

Regards, Arizona Department of Administration

VIRGINIA: AUGUST 15, 2019

This is to order that the flag of the Commonwealth of Virginia is to be flown at half-staff over the state Capitol in respect and memory of Montford Point Marine Robert E. Kindred, III. I hereby order that the flag shall be lowered at sunrise on Thursday, August 15, 2019, and remain at half-staff until sunset. Ordered on this, 14th day of August, 2019.

PENNSYLVANIA: AUGUST 14-16, 2019

Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered the commonwealth flag on all commonwealth facilities in Adams County to immediately fly at half-staff in honor of Buchanan Valley Fire Department Assistant Chief Walter Wagaman, who died Wednesday.

Wagaman, 46, died from severe injuries suffered when he was ejected from a firetruck while responding to a crash scene on Aug. 2. The governor ordered the flags we lowered until sunset on Friday and again on the day of Wagaman’s interment, which has not yet been announced. The United States flag is to remain at full-staff through this tribute. The governor’s office said all Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.

NEW YORK: AUGUST 13-16, 2019

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today ordered flags on state government buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of New York State Trooper Sgt. Jeffrey M. Cicora, who died from an illness resulting from his work at the World Trade Center site following the September 11th terrorist attacks. "Sgt. Cicora is a hero who risked his health and ultimately sacrificed his life to help others following one of our country's darkest days. His death is a reminder of the selfless actions so many brave first responders took that day and in the weeks that followed. He represents the very best of New York and we will never forget him.

On behalf of the New York family, I extend our deepest gratitude to Sgt. Cicoraand am directing flags be flown at half-staff to honor his memory." Sgt. Cicora joined the State Police in 1992. He was assigned to New York City after the September 11th terrorist attacks to help with search and rescue efforts and he retired from the State Police in 2017 due to an illness caused by his work at the World Trade Center site. He served his entire 24-year career with the State Police in Troop D, and he was a native of Auburn and lived in Baldwinsville. This is in effect until Sunset, Friday, August 16, 2019.

MISSOURI: AUGUST 12, 2019

By order of the Governor, all flags of the United States and the flag of Missouri at all State and government offices, shall be flown at half-staff, statewide on August 12, 2019 as a mark of respect for Representative Rebecca Roeber. Your office is responsible for distributing this information throughout your department for compliance with this order. A copy of the Governor's order is available at: Read Here

ILLINOIS: AUGUST 11 - 13,2019

Honoring Illinois' Fallen United States and State flags at half-staff from Sunrise on Sunday, August 11, 2019 until Sunset on Tuesday, August 13, 2019.

The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor JB Pritzker that all persons or entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act are to fly the flags at half-staff in honor and remembrance of: SPC Michael Isaiah Nance United States Army Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Please lower the United States flags and the State flags at all buildings occupied by your agency's personnel from: Sunrise on Sunday, August 11, 2019 until Sunset on Tuesday, August 13, 2019

NORTH CAROLINA: AUGUST 10, 2019

Governor Roy Cooper has ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to remain at half-staff through sunset on August 10, in honor of US Army Private First Class Brandon Jay Kreischer, who died while in combat in southern Afghanistan. Pfc. Kreischer was a member of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Services for Pfc. Kreischer will be held at the Bryan High School gymnasium in Bryan, Ohio on Saturday.

An update to this announcement will be issued upon the release of the internment date of US Army Specialist Michael Isaiah Nance, a Fort Bragg soldier who also died during combat last Monday. As a sign of respect, individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are welcome to fly the flag at half-staff for the same duration of time.

ALASKA: AUGUST 9 - 14, 2019

Alaska Governor Michael J. Dunleavy and First Lady Rose Dunleavy today issued the following statement on the passing of Alaska Senator Chris Birch:

“Rose and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Chris Birch. Chris was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His immense contributions to the communities and the state will always be remembered. As an engineer, he was truly involved in building our great state. He was an ardent supporter of responsible resource development and utilizing our resource wealth to move our state forward. Alaska and her people will always be grateful for the service and commitment of Senator Birch. Our deepest prayers are with his wife Pam and his children and grandchildren.”

Senator Birch, a University of Alaska Fairbanks Engineering graduate, played an instrumental role as an engineer in development throughout Alaska. He served as a member of the Anchorage Assembly, the Alaska House of Representatives, and most recently the Alaska State Senate, representing his family and his constituents with integrity. Governor Dunleavy has directed Alaska state flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Senator Chris Birch from Friday, August 9 through Wednesday, August 14, 2019.

NEW JERSEY: AUGUST 9, 2019

TRENTON - Today, Acting Governor Oliver signed Executive Order No. 77, ordering U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on Friday, August 9, 2019, to honor the life of famed New Jersey author Toni Morrison.

“Toni Morrison was a winner of the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, National Humanities Medal, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” said Acting Governor Sheila Oliver. "Here, in New Jersey, we will remember her not only by her remarkable achievements, but also by the countless lives that she touched with her beautiful storytelling and brilliant writing. While Toni may not be with us anymore, her work will reach generations to come." Link To Executive Order

ENTIRE UNITED STATES: IMMEDIATELY UNTIL AUGUST 8, 2019

Proclamation on Honoring the Victims of the Tragedies in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio Our Nation mourns with those whose loved ones were murdered in the tragic shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, and we share in the pain and suffering of all those who were injured in these two senseless attacks. We condemn these hateful and cowardly acts. Through our grief, America stands united with the people of El Paso and Dayton. May God be with the victims of these two horrific crimes and bring aid and comfort to their families and friends. As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible acts of violence perpetrated on August 3, 2019, in El Paso, Texas, and on August 4, 2019, in Dayton, Ohio, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, 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 8, 2019. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time 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 fourth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America two hundred forty-fourth.

DONALD J. TRUMP ​

TEXAS: IMMEDIATELY - AUGUST 8, 2019

The El Paso community was struck by a heinous and senseless act of violence today. Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific shooting and to the entire community in this time of loss. As such, it is fitting that flags should be lowered immediately to half-staff in memory of those who lost their lives. Therefore, pursuant to Chapter 3100 of the Texas Government Code, I direct the Texas flag be immediately lowered to half-staff statewide on Saturday, August 3, 2019, in memory of those who lost their lives. Flags should remain at half-staff through sunset on Thursday, August 8, 2019. Flags should be returned to full-staff on the following day. Individuals, businesses, municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions and entities are encouraged to fly their flags at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of honor and respect. The First Lady and I extend our prayers of comfort to the survivors and the families of the victims and we will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

Respectfully, Greg Abbott Governor.

MONTANA: AUGUST 5, 2019

I hereby order all flags flown in the State of Montana to be flown at half-staff on Monday, August 5th, 2019 in honor of the 70th Anniversary of the Mann Gulch Fire and in memory of all wildland firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty.

On this day, we take pause to remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the people of this great state and our nation. As first responders, these heroes put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our communities and will forever be remembered for their courage and selflessness. All Montanans express appreciation for the firefighters who are devoting their time and skills to combat the wildfires across Montana and our nation. Stay safe and vigilant.

MICHIGAN: AUGUST 5, 2019

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered the U.S. and Michigan flags to be displayed half-staff throughout the state of Michigan on Monday, August 5, to honor the service of fallen soldier Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin Sullivan and coincide with his military funeral.

“Kevin Sullivan dedicated his life to service to this nation, and for that, we are truly grateful,” Whitmer said. “We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude that we will work hard to repay every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.” Sullivan, who was 34-years-old, was killed during a training exercise at Fort Pickett in Virginia when a large tree fell during severe weather. He is survived by his parents, sister, and fiancée. Sullivan grew up in Canton, Michigan, and graduated from Detroit Catholic Central where he played on two state champion football teams. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in history and geography. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and completed basic training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina. He served two tours of duty in the Middle East, at Baghdad’s Camp Liberty, with Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006 through 2008, and in Kuwait, with Operation Enduring Freedom from 2016 through 2017. He continued in the Army Reserves when not on active duty.

The State of Michigan said it recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of all military personnel and remembers those who have given the ultimate sacrifice by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

ARIZONA: AUGUST 3, 2019

Governor Ducey has ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, August 3, 2019 for the final interment of Staff Sergeant Maximo Flores. Staff Sergeant Maximo Flores died in a midair collision involving a Marine refueling aircraft and a fighter jet off the coast of Japan in December 2018. After months of search and rescue operations, his remains have been recovered and will finally be laid to rest. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.

Regards, Arizona Department of Administration

VIRGINIA: AUGUST 3,2019

Governor’s Flag Order for the State Capitol in Richmond This is to order that the flag of the Commonwealth of Virginia is to be flown at half-staff over the state Capitol in respect and memory of former Norfolk State University President, Dr. Harrison B. Wilson, Jr.

I hereby order that the flags shall be lowered at sunrise on Saturday, August 3, 2019, and remain at half-staff until sunset.

Ordered on this, 2nd day of August, 2019. Governor’s Flag Order for the City of Norfolk Be it further encouraged that the flag of the Commonwealth of Virginia may be flown at half-staff on all local, state, and federal buildings and grounds in the City of Norfolk in respect and memory of former Norfolk State University President, Dr. Harrison B. Wilson, Jr. I hereby authorize that the flags shall be lowered at sunrise on Saturday, August 3, 2019, and remain at half-staff until sunset. Authorized on this, the 2nd day of August, 2019.

IOWA: AUGUST 3, 2019

Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, August 3, 2019 to honor a fallen U.S. soldier. Cpl. Ralph L. Bennett, of Ames, Iowa, was last seen on June 13, 1944 as his unit participated in the siege of Myitkyina, Burma. After the battle, Bennett was reported Killed in Action (KIA). His remains were eventually transferred to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1949 and later identified in 2018. Bennett’s military awards and honors include the Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with one bronze service star), World War II Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Honorable Service Lapel Button – World War II. Bennett will be buried with full military honors. Saturday, August 3, 2019, Memorial Service at Ames Municipal Cemetery, 2019 E. 9th St., Ames, Iowa, at 11:00 a.m. Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

WEST VIRGINIA: AUGUST 2, 2019

Gov. Jim Justice today ordered all United States and West Virginia flags displayed at the Capitol complex in Charleston and all state facilities throughout Wood County be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sundown on Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, in honor of funeral services for West Virginia National Guard SSG William "Billy" Friese.

Friese passed away in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, from a non-combat related incident on July 18, 2019, while serving in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Friese, a resident of Parkersburg and a native West Virginian, was the recipient of the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Afghanistan Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, West Virginia Emergency Service Ribbon, West Virginia State Service Ribbon, and numerous other awards and decorations.

OHIO: JULY 31, 2019 UNITL THE DAY OF INTERMENT (DATE UNKNOWN)

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)-In honor of the life and service of Private First Class Brandon J. Kreischer, of Stryker, Ohio, Governor DeWine today ordered that flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Williams County, the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower until sunset on the day of his funeral.