Flags in Nevada are at half-staff on Monday, Aug. 17, after Gov. Joe Lombardo ordered the flag lowerings in honor of the life and service of the United States Forest Service-contracted aerial firefighting pilot Christopher V. Andersen. Andersen died on Aug. 7 when he was supporting aerial firefighting operations on the Widemouth 2 Fire near Three Creeks Reservoir in Fishlake National Forest in Utah.
“Christopher V. Andersen dedicated more than four decades of his life to aviation and public service, first as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army and later flying critical missions and protecting communities across the country and around the world,” Lombardo said in his statement about the flag order.
“Mr. Andersen made his home near Lake Tahoe, where he served as a chief pilot and mentor and earned the respect of fellow aviators for his skill, leadership, and professionalism. His courage, service, and dedication to protecting others will not be forgotten by the people of the State of Nevada,” Lombardo said.
How long will the flags be at half-staff?
Flags will be at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, Aug. 17 at the Nevada State Capitol and all state public buildings and grounds. The day was chosen by Andersen’s family, the state said.
What does it mean to fly a flag at half-staff?
Flying a flag at half-staff instead of full staff symbolizes mourning. It became a standard practice under former President Dwight Eisenhower and can be ordered at a federal and state level of government by the president and governors.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Flags in Nevada at half-staff Monday to honor firefighting pilot
Leave a Reply