Flags Ordered Half-Staff Monday To Recognize Waukesha Parade Tragedy

WISCONSIN — Flags across Wisconsin were ordered to be flown at half-staff on Monday to recognize the first anniversary of the 2021 Waukesha Christmas parade and remember the six killed.

“Our community has been and will be defined by our unity in support of those who lost loved ones, support of those who endured physical injuries, and support of those who suffered emotional trauma,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow and Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly in a joint statement. “We begin another chapter in our journey as a community in providing support for those who need healing and finding peace.”

The man convicted of murdering six in the parade was sentenced this week to six consecutive life sentences in prison without the possibility of extended supervision.

“As Monday marks the one-year anniversary of the senseless, violent attack at the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade, Kathy and I are thinking of the entire Waukesha community, the six people whose lives were mercilessly taken, and all of the loved ones, friends, first responders, and neighbors for whom this anniversary will be especially difficult and traumatic,” said Gov. Evers. Evers announced the order Friday.

“As we remember this tragic event, we also reflect on the first responders, community leaders, and neighbors who ran toward danger to help, every person who responded in the days and months that followed with kindness, empathy, and compassion, and the extraordinary faith, strength, and resilience the Waukesha community has shown over the last year," said Evers.

A copy of the full executive order, in effect across Wisconsin Monday from sunrise to sunset, can be viewed online.

The flag order comes after Wisconsin's senators in Washington jointly introduced a resolution to recognize the first anniversary of the tragedy and those impacted.

“One year ago, the Waukesha community was devastated by senseless violence during what should have been a joyous celebration,” said Democrat U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin in a statement. “I am proud to co-lead this resolution to honor the victims, our first responders and the impacted community members as we come together to heal from this tragedy and remember those we have lost too soon.”

“The Waukesha Christmas Parade massacre was a horrific attack that never should have happened. Today, we remember those killed, injured and forever impacted by this senseless act of violence,” said Republican U.S. Sen Ron Johnson. “Families who came to see Santa Claus, high school bands and the Dancing Grannies instead witnessed a horror that will leave life-long psychological scars. My thoughts and prayers are with the community of Waukesha as they continue to recover from this tragedy.”

The Waukesha community was invited to gather for a rememberance ceremony on Monday, Nov. 21 at the Les Paul Performance Center in Culter Park beginning at 4:39 p.m. The mayor and other authorities will deliver remarks and at the end of the night, the city will be "turning blue."

People are invited to again light their homes and businesses blue as a show of unity and support for the victims of the parade after the ceremony. The city said they will have a limited amount of blue light bulbs to hand out for free at the ceremony. Find more information about the remembrance ceremony at the city's website.