Illinois Governor Ordering U.S. Flags to Half-Staff Saturday, Here’s Why

Governor JB Pritzker has ordered all U.S. and Illinois state flags to be flown at half-staff this Saturday, December 7, 2024, according to a press release from the Governor of Illinois' office.

Illinois Flags to Fly at Half-Staff from Sunrise to Sunset on Saturday

The directive, issued through the Department of Central Management Services, calls for flags to be lowered from sunrise to sunset to honor those who lost their lives and the sacrifices made for freedom.

Honoring Pearl Harbor Heroes

Illinois' Governor is having flags lowered in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day which commemorates the devastating attack on December 7, 1941, when Japan struck the U.S. naval base in Hawaii.

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The attack claimed the lives of 2,403 Americans, including 12 Illinois crew members aboard the U.S.S. Oklahoma. Among them was Seaman 1st Class Harold W. Roesch of Rockford, who was only 25 years old when he perished, according to National Park Service records.

Illinois Flag Display Act Significance

Under the Illinois Flag Display Act, the Governor has the authority to order flags lowered in memory of members of the armed forces, police, firefighters, and other groups who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

This Saturday’s observance extends this tradition to remember the courage and resilience of all Pearl Harbor heroes and the service members who fought to protect the nation’s freedoms during World War II.