Flags are at half-staff on Thursday in three states, in order to honor the memory and passing of three public servants, following proclamations from federal and state officials.
Theses types of observances are often ordered in relation to incidents which deeply impact the nation, and may include tragic national events, or natural disasters.
In addition, some national observances are marked with half-staff flag status, where the U.S. flag gets lowered in order to honor the sacrifices made by public safety officers and first responders.
LEONARDO MUNOZ/AFP via Getty
Minnesota
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, in order to mourn the loss of Red Lake Nation Tribal Officer Jesse Branch.
I’ve ordered Minnesota’s flags to fly at half-staff as we mourn the loss of Red Lake Nation Tribal Officer Jesse Branch, who was killed on duty in a tragic car crash this morning.
Gwen and I send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and community.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) November 28, 2024
Officer Branch was killed in a car accident on Wednesday, while he was on duty in Red Lake Nation. A Red Lake Band member, Alan Lussier Jr., was also in the car, and died alongside Branch.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Walz said: “Gwen and I send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and community.”
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, in order to honor Kiskiminetas Township Fire Department Chief Stephen Michael Pavetti who died on Thursday, November 21.
Pavetti suffered a cardiac arrest, and his death followed a series of strenuous calls the day before, the U.S. Fire Administration said. He had served the department for 18 years.
Flags will be lowered until sunset on Saturday, November 30.
Ohio
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, following the death of State Senator Kirk Schuring.
Wine said: “Fran and I are saddened to learn of the death of State Senator Kirk Schuring. Kirk was a model legislator. Not only was he a fierce advocate for his constituents in Canton and Stark County, but he also was a legislator who did the hard work every day in committee and on the floor to get meaningful legislation passed.”
“His legislative accomplishments were broad based, encompassing economic development, helping small businesses prosper, enhancing school safety, and promoting public safety, especially helping victims of crime. Fran and I extend our sincerest condolences to Kirk’s wife, Darlene; his children; and his entire family,” he said.
Flags will be flown at half-mast in public buildings, and will remain until sunset on the day of his funeral.
For more detailed and up-to-date information on why flags are currently at half-staff in specific areas, websites like Half Staff Alerts and official government sources provide ongoing updates.
Flags will be flown at half-staff on December 7, in order to honor Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
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