Statewide Iowa — Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to noon on Monday in honor of Memorial Day and directed that the National League of Families POW/MIA flag also be flown on Capitol grounds for the entire day. Governor Reynolds has also ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, May 31st, to honor Larry Spencer of West Des Moines, a former prisoner of war in North Vietnam, and Jack Breedlove of Cedar Rapids who was killed while serving at Pearl Harbor during World War II.
Governor Reynolds says on this Memorial Day, Iowans will pay our solemn respects to our country’s heroes and are deeply humbled by the great debt they paid on our behalf with courage and valor. The precious gift of freedom is something taken for granted, but we thank the countless brave men and women who have gone to battle so that we can live in a free nation—the United States of America. Governor Reynolds and her husband will join with Iowans as we pause and reflect on the powerful reminder that liberty can only be preserved through sacrifice and service.
Former Commander and prisoner of war, 82-year-old Larry Spencer of West Des Moines, and native of Earlham, passed away on May 21, 2022. Spencer was an American prisoner of war for nearly seven years after being shot down on a reconnaissance escort mission over North Vietnam in 1966. After he was released, Spencer continued his service in the Navy at the Pentagon and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He was awarded numerous military honors and will be buried with full military honors including a flyover.
Navy Fire Controlman 3rd Class Jack Breedlove of Cedar Rapids was 19-years-old when he was killed on the USS Oklahoma in the attack at Pearl Harbor during World War II. 429 crewman including Breedlove were killed on the battleship. He was accounted for in March of 2021, but his family only recently received a full briefing on his identification. Scientists with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) and others have been using advanced technology to identify remains.
Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays on the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be at 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.
