Flags in Wisconsin will fly at half-staff on Friday, May 8 to honor police officers who have died in the line of duty.
An executive order signed by Gov. Tony Evers orders flags to be flown at half-staff Friday, May 8, when the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be held at the Wisconsin State Capitol, and Friday, May 15, which is Peace Officers Memorial Day.
“Throughout Wisconsin, peace officers bravely protect and serve our communities and the people of our state, demonstrating a deep commitment to public service, community safety, and the pursuit of justice,” reads the executive order.
How long will flags be at half-staff?
Flags will be at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, May 8 and Friday, May 15, according to Evers’ order.
The order also allows “any jurisdiction” in Wisconsin to fly flags at half-staff between Sunday, May 10 and Saturday, May 16, which is Police Week, held annually to honor fallen police officers.
When was the first flag flown at half-staff?
The crew of the British ship Heart’s Ease flew their flag at half-staff in the 1600s to honor their captain, James Hall, who died on the trip. It’s one of the earliest recorded examples of flags being flown at half-staff.
In the United States, President Dwight Eisenhower signed formal regulations on when flags should be flown at half staff in the 1950s.
Why do flags fly at half-staff?
U.S. flags typically fly at half-staff in the wake of national tragedies or after deaths of government officials, military members or first responders. They also fly at half-staff on Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance, including 9/11.
“The United States flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning,” USA.gov says. “The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.”
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Flags flying at half-staff in Wisconsin to honor fallen police officers
Reporting by Blaise Mesa, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
