Here’s Why Illinois Governor Pritzker Ordered Flags Lowered on Friday

In a heartfelt gesture of remembrance, Governor JB Pritzker has issued a proclamation directing all entities under the Illinois Flag Display Act to fly the United States and Illinois flags at half-staff.

Illinois Honors WWII Veteran with Half-Staff Flags in Emotional Tribute

According to a press release from Illinois.com, this tribute honors Illinois Army National Guard Private First Class Harry Jerele, who bravely served during World War II and endured the unimaginable hardships of war.

Enemy forces captured Private First Class Jerele who tragically lost his life in December 1942 at the notorious Cabanatuan POW camp. His remains were buried in a common grave, remaining unidentified for over 80 years.

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Thanks to the relentless efforts of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency, his identity was confirmed through advanced anthropological and mitochondrial DNA analysis.

Private First Class Jerele's remains have been positively identified 81 years after his death. He has finally returned home to his family and fellow Illinois National Guard members.

Please lower the United States flags and the State flags at all buildings occupied by your agency's personnel from:

From Sunrise until Sunset Friday, October 4, 2024, the Office of the ​Governor has ordered all persons or entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act to fly the flag of the United States of America and the Illinois flag at half-staff for every Illinois member of the armed forces, police force, fire service and other groups covered by the Act killed in the line of duty.

The flags shall fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of the funeral and the two days immediately preceding that day, according to the press release.