Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Thursday for Army Pfc. Jacob Gassen

Date: December 8, 2010

Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Thursday (Dec. 9) in honor of U.S. Army Pfc. Jacob Gassen of Beaver Dam, Wis., who lost his life while serving his country in Operation Enduring Freedom. The Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Jim Doyle.

EXECUTIVE ORDER # 335 reads:

Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Private First Class Jacob Gassen of the United States Army Who Lost His Life While Serving His Country in Operation Enduring Freedom

WHEREAS, on November 29, 2010, Private First Class Jacob Gassen, who was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died while serving his country in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Private First Class Jacob Gassen provided faithful and honorable service to the people of the State of Wisconsin and the people of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the people of Wisconsin mourn the death of Private First Class Jacob Gassen; and

WHEREAS, Private First Class Jacob Gassen will be laid to rest on Thursday, December 9, 2010;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM DOYLE, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, by the authority vested in me by Federal and State law, do hereby order that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations of the State of Wisconsin equipped with such flags beginning at sunrise on Thursday, December 9, 2010, and ending at sundown on that date.

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All Wisconsin state government facilities are covered by the governor's order and a 2007 amendment to the U.S. Flag Code now requires all federal facilities in Wisconsin to comply. Other government agencies, businesses and private residences with flagpoles may also honor Pfc. Jacob Gassen by lowering their U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff during the daylight hours on Dec 9.