Gov. Terry E. Branstad orders flags at half-staff to honor U.S. Army Capt. Matthew Nielson

State of Iowa Seal

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry Branstad has ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 8, 2011 until 8 a.m. on Monday, July 11, 2011 in honor of United States Army Captain Matthew Nielson, 27, formerly of Jefferson, Iowa.

Capt. Nielson was killed in action on Contingency Operating Logistics base Shocker while deployed to Iraq for Operation New Dawn. Capt. Nielson was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, U.S. Army, Fort Hood, Texas.

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.

Capt. Nielson is survived by his parents, Christine and Roger Nielson of Jefferson; brothers Nathanael, Jakob and Luke; and sisters Heather, Kristen, Teddi and Emily.

Memorial services for Capt. Nielson will be held Sunday, July 10, 2011. Gov. Branstad has cleared his schedule to attend.

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

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