Des Moines, Iowa — Even before the death of the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush late Friday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds had already ordered all flags in the state to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset this Saturday, December 1, 2018, to honor a fallen U.S. sailor.
Navy Fireman 1st Class Bert E. McKeeman, of Council Bluffs, was killed in action on December 7, 1941, when the USS Oklahoma was attacked by Japanese aircraft at Pearl Harbor. The 25-year-old was accounted for on August 13, 2018. McKeeman’s remains were returned to his family for burial in Council Bluffs with full military honors.
Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on 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.
Click here for McKeeman’s obituary.
Click here for a photo of McKeeman.
