Why are flags flying at half-staff this weekend in Wisconsin?
Gov. Tony Evers has ordered flags across Wisconsin to fly at half-staff on May 4 to remember fallen firefighters, in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.
The memorial service is held in Maryland as part of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
'Our firefighters have selflessly dedicated their lives to service and to ensure Wisconsinites across the state are safe and secure, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year,' Evers said in a statement. 'On behalf of the state, we recognize and thank all members of our firefighting communities for their brave service and sacrifice and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of safety and serving their fellow neighbor.'
Evers also declared May 3 and 4 to be National Firefighters Memorial Day Weekend in Wisconsin.
Here's what to know:
Flags across Wisconsin will fly at half-staff until sunset on May 4.
Evers' order also says flags are to fly at half-staff on Sept. 27 and Oct. 11 in honor of the Final Alarm Ceremony and Fire Prevention Week, respectively.
Per Evers' order, the American flag and the Wisconsin state flag will fly at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the state of Wisconsin.
More: Milwaukee Fire Department is turning 150 years old. Here are key moments in its history
Flags are typically flown at half-staff after national tragedies or the deaths of government officials, military members or other first responders. They may also be at half-staff for Memorial Day or other national days of remembrance, including 9/11, according to Usa.gov.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why are flags in Wisconsin at half-staff on May 4?
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