Des Moines, Iowa — Flags around Iowa will again be lowering to half-staff this week. This time it’s to honor the memory of a former State Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard.
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Thursday, Sept. 15, to honor the life of Maj. Gen. Warren G. “Bud” Lawson. Gen. Lawson passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at the age of 83.
Gen. Lawson’s visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 3-7 p.m. at the Camp Dodge Pool Pavilion, 7105 NW 70th Ave., Johnston, Iowa. The Lawson family will be present during this time. Funeral services will then be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Camp Dodge Pool Pavilion, followed by inurnment at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter at 2 p.m. The Iowa National Guard will provide full military honors.
Branstad says that Lawson was a friend of his who led the Iowa National Guard as the State Adjutant General during Branstad’s early years as governor. He says he and Lawson enjoyed a very close working relationship.
The governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state. 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.
