Governor Orders Flags At Half Staff This Weekend

Date posted - July 12, 2012

Des Moines, Iowa — Iowa Governor Terry Branstad is ordering all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff beginning at 5 PM on Friday (7/13) until 8 AM on Monday, (7/16) for 25-year-old Sgt. James Skalberg Jr., originally of Emerson, Iowa.

Sgt. Skalberg was killed in Afghanistan, while serving on active duty in the U.S. Army, on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 when an improvised explosive device detonated near the vehicle he was driving. He was one of two soldiers killed in the explosion.

The governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state. State law requires federal government agencies in the state to comply with the governor’s executive order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces.

Flags will be at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Sgt. Skalberg leaves a wive and son as well as his parents, a sister and three grandparents.

The U.S. flag flown over the state Capitol on the day of the funeral will be presented to Sgt. Skalberg’s family at a later date, along with a proclamation honoring him.

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