Why Flags Across Wisconsin Are Flying Half-Staff Saturday And Sunday

WISCONSIN — If you're out and about in Wisconsin this weekend, you might notice flags flying at half-staff. The symbolic demonstrations stem from two orders out of Governor Tony Evers' office.

On Saturday, the order comes to honor Army Air Forces First Lieutenant Roy Coulson Harms, whose remains were recently identified and returned to Wisconsin after he died fighting in World War II, according to Evers' office. Then on Sunday, flags will be flying at half-staff as a mark of respect to the firefighters of Wisconsin who have given their lives in the line of duty.

Saturday's demonstration for Grafton native and B-24 pilot Lt. Harms comes after the soldier was killed by anti-aircraft fire on Aug. 1, 1943, over Romania. It wasn't until 2017 that the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency exhumed remains associated with Harms' mission, and his family identified him. After being identified, Harms was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal and Purple Heart, Evers' release said.

On Saturday, he is being buried with full military honors.

“We are glad to be able to welcome First Lieutenant Roy Coulson Harms home and that he can finally be laid to rest in his home state,” said Evers in the release. “First Lieutenant Harms gave his life fighting for the values and freedoms we hold dear, and the state will forever remember his courageous service and sacrifice.”

On Sunday, the flags will remain at half-staff to recognize firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

“Every day in communities throughout our state, Wisconsin firefighters bravely put their lives on the line to protect the health and safety of others,” said Evers. “Honoring those firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty is a responsibility we share as a state and nation, and I am proud to recognize these fallen heroes and share our deepest condolences with their families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones on these occasions throughout the year.”

The honor for firefighters coincides with the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service for National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, according to Evers' office.