Gov. Terry E. Branstad orders flags at half-staff Staff Sgt. James Justice

State of Iowa Seal

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry Branstad has ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, in honor of Staff Sgt. James Justice, 32, of Grimes, Iowa.

Gov. Branstad has cleared his public schedule on Wednesday in order to attend the funeral service.

Staff Sgt. Justice was killed during a small arms fire exchange with enemy fighters in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan on Saturday, April 23, 2011.

Staff Sgt. Justice is survived by his wife, Amanda Jo, and daughter, Caydence Lillian; his parents Larry and Lillian Justice, a brother, and two sisters. His funeral will be Wednesday, May 4, 2011. A graveside service and burial will be conducted at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

The Governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state. H.R. 692, signed in 2007, requires federal government agencies in the state to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces.

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

The U.S. flag flown over the state Capitol on the day of the funeral will be presented to Staff Sgt. Justice’s family at a later date, along with a proclamation honoring him.

For more information, please visit www.Governor.Iowa.gov