Volunteers mark hundreds of veterans’ graves with flags for Memorial Day
Due to the pandemic, cemetery staff and a small group of volunteers mark veterans’ graves with flags in Union Grove in honor of Memorial Day.
Dazia Cummings, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
You might notice flags around Wisconsin flying at half-staff on Sunday.
The gesture, ordered by Gov. Tony Evers, is in memory of a longtime state employee and National Guard veteran. Here’s what to know about the flags at half-staff and the Wisconsinite they’re honoring.
Why are flags at half-staff in Wisconsin on Sunday?
Flags are at half-staff by an executive order from the governor to honor Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Jerald David “Jerry” Slack, who died May 18 at 78 years old.
Slack served in the National Guard for 37 years, starting in Illinois in 1959 and eventually transferring to Wisconsin.
In 1989, Slack was appointed as Wisconsin’s adjutant general, the senior officer in the state’s National Guard. For seven years, he directed more than 12,000 Wisconsin Guardsmen and oversaw major military operations, including deployments in Desert Storm, Southern and Northern Watch, and Operation Deny Flight.
The general also worked as a civil engineer in the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and later served as chief engineer for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Services. He finished his civilian career at the Wisconsin Department of Administration.“General Slack will be remembered for his integrity, bravery, and unwavering commitment to service, which left a mark on all those who knew and served with him,” Evers said in a news release.
How long will flags be at half-staff?
Flags will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on July 21.
Where will flags be at half-staff?
According to Evers’ order, the American flag and the Wisconsin state flag will fly at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the State of Wisconsin.
Why do flags fly at half-staff?
U.S. flags typically fly at half-staff in the wake of national tragedies or after deaths government officials, military members or first responders. They also fly half-staff during Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance.
“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.”