Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff from dawn to dusk on Saturday, Nov. 16, according to a news release.
Why are the flags in Iowa at half-staff on Saturday, November 16?
Flags at half-staff in Iowa on Monday in honor of fallen Petty Officer 2nd Class Elijah Hummel of Altoona. He died on November 8 after a motorcycle accident.
Who was Elijah Hummel?
Elijah Hummell, 21, served at the Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut as a machinist’s mate to nuclear petty officer second class. He was assigned to the USS Idaho SSN 799 and was responsible for operating nuclear propulsion facilities for the Navy, according to the governor’s office.
He attended Iowa Christian Academy and Des Moines Christian School and graduated in 2021. He last saw his family in September during a visit to Lake Panorama, where he said his mother was his “happy place,” according to his obituary .
Funeral services will be held at West Des Moines Christian Church on Saturday, November 16. Burial will follow the services at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter.
Which flags should fly at half-staff on Monday in Iowa?
According to the governor’s announcement, flags will fly at half-staff at the State Capitol Building and at flag displays throughout the Capitol Complex. Flags will also fly at half-mast on all public buildings, grounds and facilities across the state.
While individuals, businesses or local governments are not mandated to lower flags, the governor is encouraging them to do so.
What is the difference between half mast and half mast?
Half-staff is used when the flag is flown from a flagpole, usually referring to a ship’s mast or similar structures, according to Federal Flags. Half-mast means that the flag is hoisted two-thirds of the way between the top and bottom of the flagpole.
Half-staff is the term used for flags on land, especially in the United States. Half-staff describes a flag that is flown halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole.
When the American flag is flown at half-mast, it 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.
Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@dmreg.com
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why are flags at half-staff? Iowa honors Navy officer Elijah Hummel
