Sebelius: Flags to be flown at half-staff for fallen Kansas troops
Governor issues an executive order on flag etiquette

To honor the service of Kansas military personnel who are killed in the line of duty, and to ensure flag etiquette is consistent throughout the state, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has issued an executive order regarding flying of the flag at half-staff.

The flag of the United States is a sign of freedom here and around the world, and flying that flag at half-staff is one of the ways we honor our fallen heroes.  That act symbolizes our gratitude for their sacrifice and our immense sorrow for their family’s loss,” said Sebelius.

Therefore, under the executive order I signed today, whenever a Kansas resident serving in the military is killed in action, we will honor him or her by flying the flag at half-staff,” she continued.

Executive Order 07-22 allows for the flag of the United States to be displayed at half-staff throughout the State of Kansas when a member of the Kansas National Guard is killed in the line of duty; a member of the Kansas Air National Guard is killed in the line of duty; or a Kansas resident serving as a member of the United States Armed Forces is killed in the line of duty.  In each instance, the date the flag would fly at half-staff will be designated by the Governor.

This change follows precedent set by President George W. Bush who recently approved similar measures.

Since April 2003, the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have claimed the lives of seven members of the Kansas National Guard and seven Kansas servicemen.

Executive orders can be found online at: http://www.governor.ks.gov/executive/Orders/default.htm

     To be notified of the governor's directives regarding flag lowering, please visit http://www.governor.ks.gov/flaghonors.htm

# # #