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.
UPDATED ORDER FOLLOWING DEATH OF JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURG
Governor Tim Walz today ordered all United States and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota immediately tonight until sunset on the day of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s funeral, to honor her life and legacy.
“Few Americans have done as much for the cause of equality as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” said Governor Walz. “She broke glass ceilings at every turn. She envisioned and implemented a humane and progressive interpretation of the law. She changed this country for the better.”
“In her legal career and her tenure on the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a champion for women in the workplace, in health care, and as equal partners in our country’s future,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “We are all better because of her. I am devastated by her loss.”
On August 10, 1993, Justice Ginsburg was sworn in as a Supreme Court justice where she served for 27 years as the second woman, and first Jewish woman, to serve on the Supreme Court.
Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in lowering their flags in honor of Justice Ginsburg.
