Governors Order Flags Half-Staff for Military, Pulse Victims Across U.S.

Several U.S. states have ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor fallen servicemen and victims of tragic events. In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear ordered flags to be lowered on June 13 to honor U.S. Army Private Tyler Ray and Marine Corps Lance Corporal Joshua Guzman-Henao, both of whom died while on active duty in May. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also ordered flags at half-staff on June 13 to honor Maj. Gen. Jerome 'Jerry' Berard, a longtime Wisconsin National Guard leader who passed away earlier this year. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed flags to be flown at half-staff on June 12 to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting, where 49 people were killed and 53 wounded in 2016. The City of Orlando plans to open a $12 million permanent memorial at the Pulse site in 2027, with survivors and families recently given access to the venue before demolition. These honors reflect ongoing recognition of sacrifice and remembrance across different communities and causes.