Flags lowered to half-staff Friday in Wisconsin for U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jesse J. Grindey

Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Friday (Mar 23) in honor of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jesse J. Grindey of Hazel Green, 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 # 64 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 Staff Sergeant Jesse J. Grindey of the United States Army Who Lost His Life While Serving His Country During Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan

WHEREAS, on March 12, 2012, Staff Sergeant Jesse J. Grindey, a member of the 287th Military Police Company, 97th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Riley, Kansas, United States Army, died while serving his country in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Jesse J. Grindey 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 Staff Sergeant Jesse J. Grindey; and

WHEREAS, a memorial service will be held for Staff Sergeant Jesse J. Grindey on March 23, 2012;

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 Friday, March 23, 2012, and ending at sunset 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 Staff Sgt. Jesse J. Grindey by lowering their U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff during the daylight hours on March 23.