Gov. Tony Evers has ordered flags across Wisconsin to fly at half-staff on Sept. 27 in recognition of the Final Alarm Ceremony, honoring Wisconsin firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty.
The flags flying at half-staff also coincide with the Silent Procession at the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial Park in Wisconsin Rapids, hosted by the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial.
“We owe firefighters and all of our state’s dedicated first responders an incredible debt of gratitude, as every day they go to work they put their own health, lives, and safety at risk to serve others in their darkest hours,” Evers said in a statement.
Flags will fly at half-staff again on Oct. 11 in observance of Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5 through Oct. 11.
How long will flags be at half-staff in Wisconsin?
Flags across Wisconsin are ordered to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Sept. 27, according to Evers’ executive order.
Where will flags be at half-staff in Wisconsin?
Per Evers’ executive order, the American flag and the Wisconsin state flag will fly half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the state of Wisconsin.
Why do flags fly at half-staff?
Flags typically fly at half-staff after national tragedies or deaths of government officials, military members or other first responders. They may also be flown at half-staff for Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance, including 9/11, according to USA.gov.
“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: Why are flags flying at half-staff in Wisconsin today?