February 13, 2018                                                                                

Governor Dayton Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor and Remembrance of Colonel Leo Thorsness

ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all United States flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the state of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset, on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 in honor and remembrance of Colonel Leo Thorsness.

Col. Thorsness was born on February 14, 1932 in Walnut Grove, Minnesota. As an active duty fighter pilot during the Vietnam War, he was awarded the United States’ highest distinction for valor in action against an enemy force, the Congressional Medal of Honor. Colonel Thorsness passed away on May 2, 2017 at the age of 85. His legacy will be honored for generations to come by everyone inspired by his story of bravery and his dedication to his family, faith, friends, and country.

You can view a copy of Governor Dayton's proclamation here.

Flags at Half-Staff In keeping with appropriate flag etiquette and U.S. Code, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton 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.

                           Office of Governor Mark Dayton •  www.mn.gov/governor