HAPPY FLAG WEEK

Dear Friend,

        After years of effort, a Waubeka, Wisconsin school teacher successfully lobbied for the 1916 creation of the annual observance of National Flag Day. Every year since on June 14^th the United States commemorates its flag as an emblem of the country, a standard for promoting patriotism and activism, and a focal point for national pride in our democracy.

       The flag commands respect-- as a symbol of the Republic’s founding principles of liberty and freedom. 

       The flag also confers respect—as it is hoisted to the peak and lowered to half-staff to honor the deceased who have served under it.

        During 2021 the U.S. flag flew at half-staff in silent, solemn salute a record-breaking number of 96 days—more than a quarter of the year, and almost three times as many days as any other year.

        When the flag flies at half-staff it does- for that day- focus and unite Americans and Wisconsinites in honoring deceased, patriotic persons for their contributions to the nation’s founding and persistent principles of liberty and justice.

       So to Flag Day and Flag Week are designed for living Americans to refocus on those same democratic principles that unite us. We are called to resist, as President Woodrow proclaimed on the first National Flag Day, the “forces within and forces without that seemed likely to draw us away from the happy traditions of united purpose and action of which we have been so proud.”

      On Flag Day we honor the emblem of our indivisibility, pledge loyalty to the Republic for which it stands, and recommit, in unity, to the ideals of the nation -- freedom, equality, justice, and hope.

Happy Flag Day and Happy Flag Week!

Hannah Dugan 

2021 PRESIDENTIAL FLAG AT HALF-STAFF PROCLAMATIONS

1.  Honoring United States Capitol Police Officers Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood pursuant to the January 6^th insurrection on January 10-11.

2. As a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of the victims of the attack at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021- for 5 days beginning April 2;

3.  In memory of the more than 500,000 Americans lost to COVID-19—including over six thousand Wisconsinites- for five days beginning February 22;

4.  As a mark of respect for the U.S. service members and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on August 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan, for five days beginning August 26;

5.  For five days each, mass shootings were mourned by half-staff honors including the victims of violence perpetrated on March 16, 2021 in the Atlanta Metropolitan area; on March 22 in Boulder, Colorado; on April 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana; and in San Jose, California beginning May 26;

6. Upon the death and in honor and remembrance of former Vice President Walter Mondale from his death until date of interment for eight days beginning April 20, 2021; of General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell for five days beginning October 18; of former Senator Bob Dole for seven days beginning on December 5; of Congressman Alcee Hastings for one day on April 7, 2021.

Photo credit:  Milwaukee Independent

!2021 WISCONSIN GUBERNATORIAL FLAG at HALF-STAFF PROCLAMATIONS

1.  Hmong-Lao Veterans Day on May 14;

2.  Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15;

3.  Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day on October 7;

4.  Judicial officers Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson on January 5, and Judge George S. Curry of Platteville on December 11;

5. State Representative Ann Hraychuck on June 22

6.  Public servants who died of COVID-19 in the line of duty or due to service-related disease Vandenbroek-Kaukauna Firefighter Stephen Smith on December 29, Pardeeville firefighter Brandon Romo on December 4, WI Department of Military Affairs security officer Chad Christiansen on December 23, Milwaukee Battalion Chief Sean Slowey on December 17, and Boscobel firefighter Joshua Fedie on June 12;

7.  First responders Peshtigo Fire Department Captain/ WI State Patrol Trooper Bryan Peth on Dec.21, Poynette-Dekorra Fire Inspector David Tomlinson on Feb.12, North Prairie firefighter Gary Berg on Oct.30, WI State Patrol Master Trooper Daniel Stainbrook on No. 30, and Beloit Officer Daniel Daly on Nov.24, North Prairie firefighter Gary Berg on Oct. 30, Fond du Lac Police Officer Joseph Kurer on Sept.29;

8.  Military service personnel WI Adjutant Major General Albert Wilkening on August 7, West Bend Lt. Col. John Palese  on Nov.15, and Major General James Blaney on June 4;

9.  The Waukesha Christmas Parade Tragedy victims on Nov. 22 and were further honored with half-staff orders for fatal victims Jackson Sparks on Dec.2 Leanna Owen on Dec. 3, and Virginia Sorenson and Jane Kulich on Dec.4;

10. Korean War soldiers:  Air Force Airman 2nd Class Edward J. Miller, who lost his life in the Korean War on July 17, and Army Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas J. Valentine who lost his life in the Korean War on May 25.