Flags around Iowa will be at half-staff on Saturday, June 28, at the direction of Gov. Kim Reynolds.
Flags will remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset. All flags at the Iowa State Capitol and on public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state will be at half-staff.
Why are flags at half-staff in Iowa?
Flags in Iowa will be lowered to honor U. S. Army Air Forces Corporal Melvin L. Huff, of Iowa Falls.
Huff was reported missing in action in January 1945 near Wewak in what is now modern-day Papua New Guinea, after Allied forces lost contact with the military aircraft he was aboard. He was 19 years old at the time, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
After his remains were identified last July, Harrington is finally being laid to rest in his hometown of Iowa Falls on June 28.
What’s the difference between half-mast and half-staff for flags?
Half-mast is used when the flag is flown from a flagpole, typically referring to a ship mast or similar structures, according to Federal Flags. Half-mast means the flag is flown two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the flagstaff.
Half-staff is the term used for flags on land, particularly in the United States. Half-staff describes a flag that is raised halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole.
Flying the American flag at half-staff conveys a message of respect and mourning. Federal Flags says this custom is most often observed following the death of a government official, military personnel or in response to a national tragedy.Des Moines Register reporter Kate Kealey contributed to this report.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why are flags at half-staff in Iowa? Flags lowered Saturday for World War II veteran
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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