Iowa Will Fly Flags At Half-Staff This Week For These 2 Reasons

Just so you won't have to ask the question.

As you're driving around for the second half of this week, you may notice flags are flying at half-staff in Iowa. They will be flying at half-staff for 2 days for 2 reasons.

Thursday- Remembering Former First Lady

A release from Governor Reynolds' office says that on Thursday, February 26th, from sunrise to sunset, flags must be lowered to half-staff to remember former First Lady of Iowa, Billie Lee Ray. She was the wife of late Governor Robert D. Ray.

She passed away on February 18th at the age of 97.

Flags will be at half-staff in her memory on public buildings, grounds and facilities, while schools, individuals, businesses, and other groups are encouraged to fly their flags at half-staff.

Friday- Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson

The following day, Friday, February 27th, flags in Iowa will be at half-staff again, this time in remembrance of American civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Governor Reynolds said in the release:

A central figure in America’s civil rights movement, Reverend Jesse Jackson advocated for peace, justice and equality and helped reframe the conscience of our country. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Americans.

Just like Thursday, flags will be at half-staff at the State Capitol Building along with displays at the Capitol Complex, as well as public buildings, grounds, and facilities across Iowa. Schools, municipalities, businesses, and individuals are encouraged by the Governor's office to fly their flags at half-staff on Friday too.