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    • Why are the flags half-staff in Wisconsin today?
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    Why are the flags half-staff in Wisconsin today?

    Idris Bevan Posted on

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    You may notice flags flying at half-staff across Wisconsin on Friday.

    The gesture, ordered by Gov. Tony Evers, is in memory of a World War II veteran whose remains were recently returned home. Here’s what you should know about the flags at half-staff and the Wisconsinites they honor.

    Why are the flags at half-staff in Wisconsin on Friday?

    Wisconsin’s flags were lowered Friday, Sept. 27, in honor of U.S. Army Air Force Staff Sgt. Ralph H. Bode, a Racine native who died in World War II.

    During his war time, Bode served in a combat bomb squadron. In September 1944 his plane was shot down during a bombing raid over Germany.

    His remains were not recovered until 1951 and were subsequently transferred to various American burial sites abroad. In December 2023, Department of Defense officials finally identified Bode’s remains and began repatriating them home to Wisconsin.

    Bode will be buried in Racine on Friday.

    “Staff Sergeant Bode selflessly gave his life fighting for the freedoms of his fellow Americans and our allies abroad,” Evers said in a news release. “It is an honor to welcome him back to Wisconsin after 80 years, where he can finally be laid to rest in his hometown of Racine.”

    How long will the flags be at half-mast?

    Flags will fly at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Friday.

    Where will the flags be at half mast?

    Under Evers’ order, the American flag and the Wisconsin state flag will fly at half-mast on all Wisconsin state buildings, grounds and military installations.

    Why do flags fly at half staff?

    After national tragedies or after the deaths of government officials, military personnel or first responders, U.S. flags typically fly at half-staff. They also fly at half capacity on Memorial Day and other national commemorations, including 9/11.

    “The flag of the United States flies at half-staff or at half-staff when the nation or state is in mourning,” says USA.gov. “The President, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia may order flags to fly at half-staff.”

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    Idris Bevan
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