You might notice flags around Wisconsin flying at half-staff Saturday, Oct. 4.
The gesture, ordered by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, is in honor of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources employee who died from a lightning strike last month.
Here’s what to know about the order:
Why are flags in Wisconsin at half-staff Saturday?
Flags are at half-staff in Wisconsin on Saturday in remembrance of Adam Zirbel, 48, who was a senior forester at the Kettle Moraine State Forest’s Northern Unit.
Among other duties, Zilber worked to maintain the forest grounds and educate students and residents on sustainable forest management, according to a news release from Evers’ office.
On Sept. 22, he was working in the New Fane Trail Area when he was struck and killed by the lightning.
“Adam committed his life to preserving and protecting Wisconsin’s forestlands, and his sudden passing leaves behind a void in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing, loving, and working alongside him,” Evers said in the release. “Kathy and I share our deepest condolences with Adam’s wife and kids, as well as his many loved ones, friends, and colleagues, as we join in paying our respects to Adam for his many years of dedicated service to the state.”
A Plymouth native, Virbel studied forest management a the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and worked as a forester and wildland firefighter for 24 years.
Throughout his career, Zilber helped plant millions of trees and was a part of the state’s response efforts for severe weather events, including wildfires, floods and tornadoes. He also taught a range of DNR courses and mentored many aspiring foresters, often taking them on as part-time employees, according to the release.
Services will be held for Zilber on Oct. 4 in DeForest and Middleton.
How long will flags be at half-staff in Wisconsin?
Flags will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Where are flags half-staff in Wisconsin?
According to Evers’ order, the American flag and the Wisconsin state flag will fly at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the state of Wisconsin.
Why do flags fly at half-staff?
U.S. flags typically fly at half-staff in the wake of national tragedies or after deaths of government officials, military members or first responders. They also fly at half-staff on Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance, including 9/11.
“The United States flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning,” USA.gov says. “The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.”
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why are flags in Wisconsin at half-staff Saturday, Oct. 4?
