Flags in five states across the country will fly at half-mast this weekend to commemorate those who have died.

Those remembering include a World War II soldier and the victims of one of the most devastating forest fires in U.S. history.

According to the U.S. Flag Code, flags may fly at half-staff to honor the death of a military member, government official, or emergency medical worker. The President, state governors, and the Mayor of the District of Columbia may order flags to fly at half-staff.

South Dakota

After more than 80 years, US Army Corporal Robert A. Bartlett from De Grey returns home and is buried.

He was killed in World War II in July 1944 when his unit, Company A of the 744th Tank Battalion, fought against German forces in Saint-Germain-d’Elle, France.

“My grandparents, who were his parents, learned of their son’s death when they received a telegram,” his niece Janet Bartlett told the Keloland News.

Bartlett’s remains were initially considered missing and were buried at the Normandy American Cemetery, while his name was inscribed on the Wall of the Missing.

Bartlett’s remains were examined in May using dental and anthropological analyses. He is scheduled to be buried with full military honors at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Blunt, a few miles from his hometown of De Grey.

Nebraska

To honor Elmer Crumbley, a coach and educator in the Omaha Public Schools, all U.S. and state flags at Omaha city facilities will fly at half-staff on Friday, the day of his funeral.

Elmer and his brother drowned in Cunningham Lake on July 31 after entering the water to launch their fishing boat.

State Senator Justin Wayne, Crumbley’s close friend, called him a “beacon of wisdom.”

Florida

Lake County honors Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Link, who was ambushed and shot in the line of duty on August 2nd.

Link, 28, was an Army Reserve veteran and served with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office before transferring to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

“I’m one of the chaplains at the sheriff’s office, so he was my brother, and I … definitely support him and his family,” chaplain Dorthy Hooks told local network WKMG at a vigil for Links.

She added: “We believe in God. We pray and ask God to guide us through this grieving process.”

Hawaii

Hawaii continues to commemorate the 102 people who lost their lives in the Maui wildfires in August 2023.

On the anniversary of the tragedy, the U.S. and state flags will fly at half-mast in front of all state offices and agencies in Hawaii.

The wind-driven fires were the fifth deadliest in U.S. history. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the fires destroyed 2,200 buildings and caused $5.5 billion in damage. The community of Lahaina was virtually destroyed.

On Wednesday, a new monument in the shape of a giant tear of Soakai Taufa was unveiled.

“Exactly one year ago, we lost beloved mothers, fathers, grandparents, sons, daughters and friends. As we mark the first anniversary of the Maui wildfires with memorial services this weekend, we want to honor their memories and never forget those we lost in Lahaina. Together, we will forge a path to resilience and hope, preserve the spirit of Lahaina and continue to rebuild with the community with strength and unity,” Governor Josh Green said in a statement.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden spoke with Green and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen about the Biden-Harris administration’s continued support for the affected communities. In a statement, White House spokesman Jeremy Edwards said, “As President Biden made clear when he and First Lady Jill Biden visited Maui shortly after the fires subsided, the Biden-Harris administration will be with the people of Maui every step of the way, no matter how long it takes.”

Kansas

On August 1, firefighter Ty Voth, a five-year veteran of the Wichita Fire Department, died while attempting to extinguish a house fire in the suburb of Haysville.

“Ty Voth made the ultimate sacrifice and was taken far too soon. His dedication and selflessness will not be forgotten,” Governor Laura Kelly said in a statement paying tribute to the 27-year-old firefighter.

“(Voth) was always patient and took the time to make sure the people in his group knew what was going on and that they could learn and do better,” Wichita Fire Department Captain Keith Niemann told local network KWCH.

He added: “You could tell he was determined. He just had a natural talent.”