Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Wednesday for Army 1st Lt. Daren Hidalgo

Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Wednesday (March 2) in honor of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Daren Hidalgo of Waukesha, Wis., who lost his life while serving his country in Afghanistan. The Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Scott Walker.

EXECUTIVE ORDER # 17 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 First Lieutenant Daren M. Hidalgo of the United States Army Who Lost His Life While Serving His Country in Operation Enduring Freedom

WHEREAS, on February 20, 2011, First Lieutenant Daren M. Hidalgo, a member of 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany, United States Army, died while serving his country in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, First Lieutenant Daren M. Hidalgo 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 First Lieutenant Daren M. Hidalgo; and

WHEREAS, a memorial service will be held for First Lieutenant Daren M. Hidalgo on March 2, 2011;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SCOTT WALKER, 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 Wednesday, March 2, 2011, and ending at sundown on that date.

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 1st Lt. Daren Hidalgo by lowering their U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff during the daylight hours on March 2.