Why are flags at half-staff today? Iowa flags lowered for Oct. 7 for World War II veteran.

Iowa's Governor Kim Reynolds ordered flags to fly at half-staff on October 7 to honor Second Lt. Blaine Wilcox, who was killed in World War II. Wilcox's burial service with full military honors took place 81 years after his death during a bombing mission in Germany. The 26-year-old was one of nine crew members who perished when their aircraft was shot down. His remains were recovered in 2022 after extensive investigations by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which identified him through anthropological and dental analysis.

His niece expressed shock and disbelief upon learning that his remains had been found after so many years. Governor Reynolds urged individuals, businesses, and schools to observe the half-staff flag protocol. This practice reflects national mourning and respect for military personnel. The distinction between half-staff and half-mast was also clarified, emphasizing that half-staff is the term used for flags on land.