Flags are at half-staff today to honor a Navy officer killed in a motorcycle accident

Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, Nov. 16, according to a news release.

Why are flags in Iowa at half-staff on Saturday, Nov. 16?

Flags half-staff in Iowa on Monday honor fallen Petty Officer Second Class Elijah Hummel of Altoona. He died on Nov. 8 after a motorcycle accident.

Who was Elijah Hummel?

Elijah Hummell, 21, was serving at the Naval Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut as a Machinist's Mate of Nuclear Second Class Petty Officer. He was assigned to the USS Idaho SSN 799 and was responsible for operating naval nuclear propulsion plants, according to the governor's office.

He attended Iowa Christian Academy and Des Moines Christian School and graduated in 2021. He last saw his family in September while on a visit to Lake Panorama, which he told his mother was his "happy place," according to his obituary.

Funeral Services will held at the West Des Moines Christian Church on Saturday, Nov. 16. He will be buried at the Iowa Veterans Cemetary in Van Meter following services.

Which flags should fly half-staff in Iowa on Monday?

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex, according to the governor’s announcement. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state.

While individuals, businesses or local governments are not mandated to lower flags, the governor encourages them to do so.

What's the difference between half-mast and half-staff?

Half-mast is used when flag is flown from a flagpole, typically referring to a ship mast or similar structures, according to Federal Flags. Half-mast means the flag is flown two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the flagstaff.

Half-staff is the term used for flags on land, particularly in the United States. Half-staff describes a flag that is raised halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole.

When the American flag is flown at half-staff, it conveys a message of respect and mourning. Federal Flags says this custom is most often observed following the death of a government official, military personnel or in response to a national tragedy.

Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why are flags at half-staff? Iowa honors Navy officer Elijah Hummel