Gov. Branstad orders flags at half-staff Tuesday in honor of Peace Officer Memorial Week

State of Iowa Seal

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad has ordered all flags on the Capitol Complex be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 in honor of Peace Officer Memorial Week and the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony which is to be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at the state’s monument near the corner of East Grand Avenue and East 12th Street.

This year, eight peace officers will be added to the Peace Officer Memorial. One of those eight is Sgt. Eric Stein of the Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office who was shot and killed on April 4, 2011. The other seven officers being added this year were killed in the line of duty between 1886 and 1941. The addition of these officers is part of an ongoing effort to honor all Iowa officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our safety: yesterday, today and tomorrow.

The Governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and state flags on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays on the Capitol Complex. 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.

For more information, please visit www.governor.iowa.gov.