September 10, 2012
Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Tuesday (Sept. 11) as a mark of respect to honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the members of the armed forces defending our freedom overseas. The Guard will render these honors in accordance with Gov. Scott Walker's executive order.
EXECUTIVE ORDER # 82 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 to Honor the Victims of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks and the Members of the Armed Forces Defending Our Freedoms Overseas
WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, terrorists tried to topple our beloved country by attacking the United States and killing nearly 3,000 innocent civilians; and
WHEREAS, law enforcement, first responders, and ordinary citizens heroically rushed into the flames and ash, risking their lives to render faithful and honorable service to the victims of the attacks; and
WHEREAS, the American people came together as one Nation in the days and months following the attacks, pushing through our pain to remind the world of America's enduring commitment to democracy and liberty; and
WHEREAS, since the attacks, thousands of our fellow citizens have embraced the highest form of patriotism by donning our country's uniform and serving overseas far from family, friends, and the comforts of home; and
WHEREAS, 490 Wisconsin soldiers continue the Badger State's proud tradition of military service as they deploy throughout the world to defend our country from those that seek to harm us; and
WHEREAS, since September 11, 2001, 163 courageous sons and daughters of Wisconsin have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country while defending freedom in ongoing overseas combat operations; and
WHEREAS, all Wisconsinites may offer their time and talents on this anniversary day and throughout the year in acts of service to their neighbors and fellow citizens, embodying the spirit of unity and sacrifice shown by so many brave souls on September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, our annual salute to the heroes and victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks is an ongoing recognition of the triumph of the American spirit over the foes and forces that challenge it; and
WHEREAS, Congress has designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day and has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance;
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 Tuesday, September 11, 2012, and ending at sunset 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 lower their U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff during the daylight hours on September 11.
