Governor Rauner orders flags to half-staff for Memorial Day

[May 26, 2018]  SPRINGFIELD --   Governor Bruce Rauner ordered U.S. and Illinois state flags to be lowered to half-staff on Memorial Day to honor the courageous men and women who, throughout the nation’s history, died fighting for freedom and democracy. Memorial Day is Monday, May 28.

“We are humbled by the sacrifice of these American heroes,” Rauner said. “They stood up to those who would do us harm and destroy our way of life, and selflessly gave their own lives to ensure our protection and freedom. We salute them. We revere them. We thank them.”

Gov. Rauner will recognize fallen heroes throughout the holiday weekend. On Saturday, he joins Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and volunteers at Camp Butler National Cemetery to place flags at the gravesites of U.S. Service Members. He will also address attendees at a memorial ceremony in Spaulding.

On Monday, the governor is scheduled to remember those who died in service to our country at both the Interveterans Council of Sangamon County and at the Camp Butler Memorial Day ceremonies.

"Someone once said that our flag does not fly because the wind moves it,” Rauner noted. “It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it. Our hearts are with each and every one of those soldiers whose bravery makes our freedom and independence possible.”