August 18, 2020

Governor Walz Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Minnesotans Who Have Lost Their Lives to COVID-19

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz has directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, August 19. He has directed flags to fly at half-staff on the 19^th of every month through 2020 to remember, mourn, and honor lives lost due to COVID-19.

“Thousands of Minnesotans have lost friends and family members to COVID-19. Each life is a devastating loss for our state,” said Governor Walz. “We lower our flags to honor and remember those lives and commit slowing the spread of this deadly virus.”

Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are also encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Minnesotans who have lost their lives to COVID-19 and their families.

Governor Walz's full proclamation can be viewed here.

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.