You may notice that flags in Wisconsin are flying at half-staff on Monday.

The gesture, ordered by Governor Tony Evers, is in memory of a decorated World War II veteran whose remains were recently identified. Here’s more about the flags at half-staff and the Wisconsin citizen they honor:

Why are flags flying at half-mast in Wisconsin on Monday?

Flags will fly at half-staff in memory of Sergeant Jack Hohlfeld of the U.S. Army Air Force. He died over 80 years ago, but his remains were only recently identified and returned to Wisconsin.

Hohlfeld was born in Vernon County and grew up in La Crosse and Trempealeau counties, according to a news release from the governor’s office. He joined the Army in 1938 and served in the Philippines.

In December 1941, Hohlfeld and his squadron members were overpowered by Japanese troops and taken prisoner of war. He remained imprisoned in a war camp until his death on December 26, 1942. He was then buried in a communal grave with other soldiers and later transferred to a cemetery in Manila.

For his services, Hohlfeld was honored with numerous awards, including a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

The sergeant’s family “worked tirelessly” for decades to find his remains and bring him home for burial, the press release said. In May 2024, Hohlfeld’s remains were finally positively identified.

He will be buried in La Crosse on Monday, the same day flags will be flown at half-mast across the state.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that no hero is left behind, no matter how many years have passed, and it is an honor to be able to welcome Sergeant Hohlfeld home to be laid to rest,” Evers said in the press release.

How long will the flags fly at half-mast?

From sunrise to sunset on Monday, flags will fly at half-mast.

Where are the flags flown at half-mast?

Under Evers’ order, the American flag and the Wisconsin state flag will fly at half-staff on all Wisconsin state buildings, properties and military installations.

Why are the flags flying at half-mast?

U.S. flags typically fly at half-staff following national tragedies or the death of government officials, military personnel, or first responders. They also fly at half-staff on Memorial Day and other national observances.

“The flag of the United States shall fly at half-staff during a state or national mourning,” says USA.gov. “The President, the Governor of a State, or the Mayor of the District of Columbia may order flags to fly at half-staff.”

This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why are flags flying at half-staff in Wisconsin today?