Why Are Flags Flying at Half-Staff in Illinois, But Not Wisconsin?

While driving around Rockford today I noticed flags flying at half-staff, but when crossing over into Wisconsin all of the flags were at full-staff. What is up with that? Or what I suppose I should ask is, what is half up with that?

Before personally doing the research to see what the reason for half-staff in Illinois is, I randomly asked the sales clerk at a local C-store if she knew why their store was flying the big American flag at half-staff.

She said it was possible they lowered the flags because the weather was about to "get real windy" and they didn't want to have the flags damaged.

Nope. That's not the reason.

What are we mourning in the Land of Lincoln that our neighbors in the Dairy State aren't recognizing?

According to the official website of the State of Illinois, Governor Pritzker has ordered all flags at state facilities to be flown at half-staff to honor the life of former Illinois Senator Scott Bennett who died last week.

Flags are to remain at half-staff through sundown on Monday, December 19 for all persons or entities governed by the Illinois Flag Display Act.

Senator Bennett was a good man who always strove to serve his constituents in Springfield, advocating fiercely for his community and for people across the state of Illinois. The entire state is a better place thanks to his dedicated service, which we honor with this official symbol of mourning. MK and I send our thoughts to his loving wife Stacy and their two beautiful children during this tragic time. -J.B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

Meanwhile, up in Wisconsin, their flags were flying in the cold December wind at full staff. You can always check to see where your American flag should be flying in the state of Wisconsin by checking here: