FILE: United States and Utah flags flying in the wind in from of the Capitol Building, Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: Getty Images
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Gov. Gary Herbert announced Friday the state of Utah will be lowering both the American flag and the state flag at half-staff to honor the victims of COVID-19.
State flags will be lowered Sunday at all state facilities and public grounds for the entire day. The governor is also encouraging state residents and businesses to do the same.
“We join with the entire country in paying our respects to those who have lost their lives in this deadly pandemic,” Gov. Herbert said in a statement. “As we fight this virus together, let us remember those who have passed, those who are struggling with the disease, and the healthcare heroes who make daily sacrifices to provide the best treatment to those who are suffering.”
This proclamation is in coordination with President Donald Trump, who announced Thursday that flags at all federal buildings and national monuments will be lowered for the duration of the weekend.
The governor has also ordered the flags to be lowered for Memorial Day to honor the lost lives of men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Flags will be lowered from sunrise to noon Monday.
Gov. Herbert also called on Utahns to observe Memorial Day as a day of prayer for “permanent peace,” asking for a statewide moment of silence at 3 p.m.
“While the ceremonies and our tributes to the fallen may look different this year due to coronavirus, our enduring respect and gratitude for their sacrifice remains unchanged,” the governor said. “Jeanette and I join all Utahns in expressing our eternal gratitude for the sacrifices our Armed Forces members and their families make on behalf of our nation. Today, and every day, we honor and salute you.”
State residents are being asked to maintain social distancing guidelines while visiting cemeteries and war memorials over the weekend.