Governor Walz Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Minnesotans Who Have Lost Their Lives to COVID-19
Governor Tim Walz has directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, September 19, 2020. He has directed flags to fly at half staff on the 19th of every month through 2020 to remember, mourn, and honor lives lost due to COVID-19.
“On March 21, 2020, we mourned the first death due to COVID-19 in Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “As of today, thousands of Minnesotans have lost a loved one in the fight against COIVD-19. We lower our flags to honor their lives and reaffirm our commitment to doing all we can to slow the spread of this deadly virus.”
“As I know too well, losing a family member to COVID-19 is an unimaginable grief,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “We come together as one community in these challenging moments to mourn and support each other. Every life lost to COVID-19 is heartbreaking, and we must continue to look out for one another and take every precaution to protect our neighbors and loved ones.”
Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are also encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Minnesotans who have lost their lives to COVID-19 and their families.
The proclamation from Governor Walz reads:
WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota isweathering the “long winter” known as COVID-19; and
WHEREAS: First responders, state employees, and essential workers are on the frontlines working tirelessly and fearlessly to protect our communities and neighbors; and
WHEREAS: On March 21, 2020, we mourned the first death due to COVID-19 in Minnesota; and
WHEREAS: As of September, 17, 2020, 1,942 of our mothers and fathers, sons and daughters,
husbands and wives, friends and neighbors, have passed due to COVID -19; and
WHEREAS: Deaths due to COVID-19 are disproportionally affecting Indigenous communities, communities of color, people experiencing homelessness, older adults, and individuals
with pre-existing conditions and disabilities; and
WHEREAS: We come together as one community in these challenging moments to mourn and support each other.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, September 19, 2020, to remember, mourn, and honor the lives lost due to COVID-19.