23-05-2025
Why are the flags flying at half-staff in Wisconsin on May 23?
Gov. Tony Evers has ordered flags across Wisconsin to fly at half-staff on May 23 in remembrance of former Wisconsin Rep. James Rooney, who died May 3 at age 89.
"Former Rep. Rooney led an extraordinary life of selflessness, serving his community and our state with humility, perseverance, and compassion over his decades of dedicated public service," Evers said in a statement. "Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences to Rep. Rooney's friends, family, loved ones, and the Racine community as they honor his memory and mourn his passing."
The Racine native served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, according to the release, and was later elected to Wisconsin State Legislature in 1972. He served the 61st Assembly District and later the 20th Assembly District for more than a decade.
Aside from his role in various committees, Rooney also aided in creating the Wisconsin Waterways Commission, serving as its chair for over three decades, the release said.
Services for Rooney are scheduled on May 23 in Racine.
Flags across Wisconsin will fly at half-staff until sunset on May 23.
Per Evers' order, the American flag and the Wisconsin state flag will fly half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the state of Wisconsin.
Flags are usually flown at half-staff after national tragedies or 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
"The United States flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning," says. "The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff."
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why are flags at half-staff in Wisconsin on May 23?
