Honoring Fallen Peace Officers
Gov. Beshear Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 14, 2026) – In accordance with a proclamation https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/05/peace-officers-memorial-day-and-police-week-2026/ from the White House, Gov. Andy Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Friday, May 15, in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day.
A joint resolution of Congress, approved Oct. 1, 1962, designated May 15 of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week. This observance pays tribute to local, state and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
“Kentucky’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect us, and we cannot thank them enough. Those who made the ultimate sacrifice especially deserve to be remembered and revered,” said Gov. Beshear. “Please take some extra time this week to let those who wear the badge in your community know that you appreciate and care about them.”
Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the commonwealth to join in this tribute. Flag status information is available at https://governor.ky.gov/flag-status.
Honoring Fallen Peace Officers
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half‑staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, May 15, 2026, in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day, a national observance paying tribute to local, state, and federal law enforcement officials who have died in the line of duty. It is recognized annually during National Police Week.
“Our law enforcement officers must be commended for their commitment to public safety and their willingness to put themselves in the path of danger in order to protect the lives of complete strangers,” Governor Lamont said. “There’s not a single person in our state whose life has not been impacted in some way by a police officer, whether they know it or not. We honor and salute every law enforcement officer who has given their life in the line of duty. Their memories will not be forgotten, and we thank them for their dedication. I also want to acknowledge all the families of law enforcement officers, who themselves make many sacrifices over the course of their loved one’s service, and especially those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.”
“I continue to be in awe of our law enforcement officers who are willing to selflessly serve and sacrifice to protect their communities,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Day in and day out, they put their lives on the line, running towards danger so that we may all live in safety. Each year, as we honor Peace Officers Memorial Day, we are reminded of that sacrifice and take a moment to remember those we have lost in the line of duty. Their heroism will not be forgotten, and we owe a great debt of gratitude.”
In accordance with the governor’s directive, flags will be at half‑staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state‑operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time.
To receive email alerts anytime the governor orders flags to half‑staff, visit https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/sign-up-for-news-updates.
Read on CT.gov https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2026/05-2026/governor-lamont-directs-flags-to-half-staff-friday-for-peace-officers-memorial-day
State Capitol
210 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Honoring Hmong‑Lao Veterans
Gov. Evers Orders Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day, Proclaims “Hmong-Lao Veterans Day” Across the State
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #293, ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Thurs., May 14, 2026, in honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day. Each year since assuming office, Gov. Evers has proclaimed May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin [ https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2026/05/12/file_attachments/3647769/051426_Proclamation_Hmong-Lao%20Veterans%20Day.pdf ].
“Through their service and sacrifice, our Hmong-Lao veteran community has earned every honor and respect we can give them by serving this nation during the Vietnam War and in many conflicts since, and for that, we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude,” said Gov. Evers. “Here in Wisconsin, we are committed to our promise to protect, defend, and support the veterans who’ve protected, defended, and supported us, and that includes our Hmong-Lao heroes.”
During the Vietnam War, thousands of Hmong-Lao people courageously fought alongside the United States and, following the end of the war, faced harsh retribution from the Vietnamese and Lao governments for their service. Many Hmong-Lao soldiers and their families were ultimately forced to flee their homes, and many later resettled in communities throughout the United States, including in Wisconsin. Today, Wisconsin is home to the third-largest Hmong population in the United States. The last day of airlift evacuation of remaining Hmong-Lao soldiers and their families from the covert headquarters in Long Tieng, Laos, to the Nam Phong refugee camp in Thailand took place on May 14, 1975.
On May 14, 2021, Gov. Evers signed 2021 Wisconsin Act 31 [ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/2d9101a ], officially designating May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin. Act 31 also requires the governor to the governor to annually issue a proclamation for the observance of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day that orders the flags at the State Capitol Building to be flown at half-staff, requests that the day be used to recognize Hmong-Lao veterans’ accomplishments and to thank Hmong-Lao veterans for their service, and encourages schools to discuss Hmong military service in support of the armed forces of the United States.
Gov. Evers has long made supporting the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Wisconsin’s Hmong and Asian American communities, including Hmong-Lao veterans, a priority of his administration. In 2024, Gov. Evers signed 2023 Wisconsin Act 205 [ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/391e740 ], which ensures Hmong veterans can have veteran status on their driver’s license or ID by adding to the definition of “veteran” any person who was admitted to the United States under the Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act. Additionally, last month, Gov. Evers signed 2025 Wisconsin Act 206 [ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/41209e9 ], which ensures qualifying Hmong and Laotian veterans can receive military funeral honors.
In 2024, Gov. Evers celebrated Hmong Heritage Month by signing 2023 Wisconsin Act 266 [ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3945fa0 ], requiring schools to include education on the contributions and history of Hmong Americans and Asian Americans in Wisconsin. Wisconsin law requires K-12 schools to teach Black American, Hispanic American, and Native American history. 2023 Act 266 added Hmong and Asian American histories to this required curriculum, promoting greater awareness and understanding among Wisconsin students of the histories, cultures, and traditions of these diverse communities in Wisconsin. Gov. Evers also proclaimed April Hmong Heritage Month [ https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2026/05/12/file_attachments/3648533/040126_Proclamation_Hmong%20Heritage%20Month.pdf ] in accordance with national observances.
Last year, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War and the Secret War in Laos, among other events that significantly impacted the lives of millions in Southeast Asia, Gov. Evers also issued a proclamation in recognition of the 50th anniversary to honor the resilience of Southeast Asian American communities [ https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2025/05/12/file_attachments/3257981/050125_Proclamation_50th%20Anniversary%20to%20Honor%20the%20Resilience%20of%20Southeast%20Asian%20American%20Communities.pdf ].
Executive Order #293 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Thurs., May 14, 2026, and is available on Gov. Evers’ website [ https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2026/05/12/file_attachments/3648515/EO293-Hmong-LaoVeteransDay2026.pdf ].
An online version of this release is available here [ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIDMA/bulletins/416c73f ].
Honoring Maj. Gen. Glen W. “Bill” Van Dyke
Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half‑staff from sunrise to sunset on May 7, 2026, in honor of the interment of retired Maj. Gen. Glen W. “Bill” Van Dyke, who served as Arizona Adjutant General and Director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs from April 1994 until his retirement in May 1999. A funeral service is scheduled for May 7; he passed away on April 24 at the age of 86.
Maj. Gen. Van Dyke began his military career (https://www.nationalguard.mil/Leadership/Joint-Staff/Special-Staff/Senior-Leader-Management-Office/General-Officer-Management/Biographies/Article/3110311/major-general-glen-w-van-dyke-retired/) in the Arizona Air National Guard in 1961 as an aircraft refueler. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1965 and attended pilot training. Over his career, he flew more than 5,000 hours in various aircraft, including F-102s and F-16s. He assumed the position of commander of the 162nd Fighter Group in 1984, securing the long-term success of the 162nd through the establishment of its current F-16 fighter pilot training mission and was promoted to the Air Component Commander of the Arizona Air National Guard in 1990 before becoming the Adjutant General in 1994.
His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He was also a recipient of the Order of the Sword, the highest honor bestowed by enlisted personnel, reflecting his deep commitment to those he led.
Governor Hobbs issued the following statement: “My deep condolences to Major General Van Dyke’s family. We honor him today and thank him for his many decades of esteemed service to Arizona and to our country.”
Individuals, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
For more information on half‑staff orders in Arizona or to sign up for notifications, visit az.gov/half‑staff‑notices (https://az.gov/half-staff-notices).
To sign up for half‑staff notifications, join our distribution list here (https://az.gov/half-staff-notices).
Half-Staff Notification
100 N 15th Ave , Phoenix , AZ 85007
Honoring Trooper Kevin Trainer
Please be advised that in accordance with 4 U.S.C. § 7(m), Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half‑staff at all state buildings beginning immediately today, Wednesday May 6, 2026, until sunset on the day of interment, in honor and remembrance of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Kevin Trainor, who was killed in the line of duty today, Wednesday May 6, 2026.
This gubernatorial order applies to:
1. The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls
2. Other state‑owned or state‑controlled buildings
3. All state military installations
Thank you,
Alex Powell
Director of Administration, CFO
Office of the Governor, MA
Alex.Powell@mass.gov
Source: Email from: Powell, Alex (GOV) on 2026-05-06T15:46:57.000Z
Honoring Robert W. Dempsey
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half‑staff from sunrise until sunset, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. This action is in honor of Robert W. Dempsey, a member of the Coordinated Highways Action Response Team with the Maryland Department of Transportation, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Source: http://sos.maryland.gov/Pages/Services/PastFlagStatus.aspx
Honoring Dipakkumar R. Patel
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset, Monday, May 4, 2026. This action is in honor of Dipakkumar R. Patel, a Maryland highway construction worker who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
Source: http://sos.maryland.gov/Pages/Services/PastFlagStatus.aspx
Honoring Captain Willibald C. Bianchi
Office of Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan
Governor Walz Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Captain Willibald C. Bianchi
Governor Tim Walz today ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in honor and remembrance of Captain Willibald C. Bianchi.
“After more than 80 years, Captain Willibald C. Bianchi is coming home,” said Governor Walz. “His courage on the battlefield and his endurance as a prisoner of war represent the highest ideals of service. Today, we stand with his family and community to ensure his sacrifice is remembered with the dignity and respect it has always deserved.”
Captain Bianchi, a native of New Ulm, Minnesota, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on February 3, 1942, during the defense of the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. Despite sustaining multiple wounds, he continued to lead and engage enemy forces with exceptional bravery. He later died as a prisoner of war in 1945. After more than 80 years, his remains have been identified and returned to Minnesota through the efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Captain Bianchi’s legacy. The Governor’s proclamation can be found here [ https://mn.gov/governor/assets/05.02.2026%20Captain%20Willibald%20C.%20Bianchi%20Day_tcm1055-745378.pdf ].
Flags at Half-Staff
In keeping with appropriate flag etiquette and U.S. Code, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz may
order the state flag to be flown at half-staff under very limited circumstances. He may also order the national flag to be flown at half-staff on state property only. A state flag on state property is required by law to be flown at half-staff if the national flag is flown at half-staff.
Honoring Fallen Firefighters
Flag Status Alert: United States Flag and Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff In honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, President Donald J. Trump has ordered the United States Flag to be flown at half‑staff from sunrise to sunset, Sunday, May 3, 2026. As a matter of protocol, the Maryland flag is lowered to half‑staff as well. No flag may be higher than the United States flag.
Source: http://sos.maryland.gov/Pages/Services/PastFlagStatus.aspx
Honoring Fallen Firefighters Ray Moreau and Todd Gagnon
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half‑staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, an annual ceremony that serves as the official national tribute honoring all firefighters in the U.S. who have died in the line of duty.
Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags – including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise – should also be lowered during this same duration of time.
During Sunday’s ceremony, which is held at National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park in Emmitsburg, Maryland, 204 fallen firefighters from departments across the country will be honored in the 2026 Roll of Honor. Included among those being honored are two firefighters from Connecticut: Raymond A. Moreau of the Plainville Fire Department, who died in the line of duty on July 27, 2025, while operating at a fire at a residence in Plainville; and Todd G. Gagnon of the Cromwell Fire District, Local 4662, who died on May 22, 2020, after a brave battle with occupational esophageal cancer. Their names are included on a plaque that will be unveiled this weekend as part of the permanent memorial at the federal park.
Since 1852, there have been 364 firefighters in Connecticut who have died in the line of duty.
“Every day, firefighters face the possibility of risking their lives to protect complete strangers, heroically putting themselves in danger out of a sense of duty to the safety of our communities, and we should all thank them for the service they provide,” Governor Lamont said. “I urge everyone to reflect upon those firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty, as well as the sacrifices made by their families and loved ones. The bravery and courage of our fallen firefighters will always be honored and respected.”
“When tragedy strikes, it is our firefighters who run towards danger,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “As we recognize this year’s National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, let us all take a moment to honor the selfless sacrifice of our firefighters and recognize the risk that comes with their job, especially the risk to their health. This year is especially meaningful, as we remember the lives of Plainville Firefighter Ray Moreau and Cromwell Firefighter Todd Gagnon. Both Ray and Todd were dedicated first responders who leave behind a lasting legacy. My heart goes out to the loved ones of our fallen firefighters and their beloved fire companies.”
Flags will be at half‑staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state‑operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time.
To receive email alerts anytime the governor orders flags to half‑staff, visit https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/sign-up-for-news-updates.