FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 24, 2021

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Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg 

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #133 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff as a Mark of Respect for Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg of the United States Navy Who Lost His Life on the Battleship USS Oklahoma during the Attack on Pearl Harbor, beginning at sunrise to sunset on Saturday, September 25, 2021. 

Executive Order #133 is available here.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 10, 2021

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Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of 9/11 and State Day of Service and Remembrance

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #132 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff beginning at sunrise on Fri., Sept. 10, 2021, until sunset on Sun., Sept. 12, 2021, out of respect for the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Additionally, Executive Order #132 declares Sat., Sept. 11, 2021, as a state Day of Service and Remembrance to encourage all Wisconsinites to commit acts of service and do good in their communities in commemoration of the lives lost.

“On the 20th anniversary, we reflect on the significance of this day and the effects that the attacks on 9/11 have had on our nation over the last two decades,” said Gov. Evers. “Today, we honor and remember those who lost their lives, those whose lives were forever changed, and those heroic first responders who ran toward danger without second thought. I know that Wisconsinites will come together today, as they have each year, to mourn and remember the friends, family members, and neighbors lost, and reflect on this tragedy while calling upon our spirit of service, resilience, and community to let this day forever be defined not by terror but by our commitment to helping each other in times of great need.”

Members of the governor's administration and staff will be participating in service events on Fri., Sept. 10, 2021, as part of State Day of Service and Remembrance. The governor encourages all Wisconsinites who wish to participate in the State Day of Service to do so safely, and in accordance with all CDC guidance and Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommendations. A list of potential volunteer opportunities, including virtual or low-contact opportunities, can be found here, at the United Way of Wisconsin, Serve Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Volunteer Coordinators Association website. Wisconsinites can also participate by engaging with their neighborhoods and communities, performing acts of kindness, or taking the time to reflect on the significance of the day.

Executive Order #132 is available here.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 9, 2021

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Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Barber Brothers Who Lost Their Lives in Pearl Harbor Attack

Flags to be lowered as a tribute to the Barber Brothers, Fireman First Class Malcom J. Barber, Fireman First Class Leroy K. Barber, and Fireman Second Class Randolph H. Barber of the United States Navy

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #131 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Sep. 11, 2021, in honor of the Barber brothers, Navy Fireman 1st Class Malcom J. Barber, Fireman 1st Class Leroy K. Barber, and Fireman 2nd Class Randolph H. Barber of the United States Navy, who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Barber brothers will be laid to rest with full military honors at Most Precious Blood Cemetery in New London, Wisconsin, on Sept. 11, 2021.

“The story of the Barber brothers and their family is a tragedy that has been a source of pain for the New London community, our state, and our country now for the better part of a century,” said Gov. Evers. “I am grateful for the work of many now nearly 80 years later who helped bring these brothers home.”

The Barber brothers of New London, Wisconsin, lost their lives aboard the USS Oklahoma on December 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II. The ship, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, was attacked by Japanese aircraft and sustained multiple torpedo hits that quickly capsized the boat, resulting in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including the Barber brothers. Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew between 1941 and 1944 and unidentified remains were interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 2015, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency exhumed the USS Oklahoma Unknowns for scientific analysis and possible identification, at which time, the DPAA laboratory identified the brothers. The Barber brothers' remains were accounted for on June 11, 2021.

Executive Order #131 is in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sat., Sep. 11, 2021, and is available here. As he has done each year, the governor will likewise issue a forthcoming order requiring flags to be flown at half-staff for the anniversary of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, but he felt it was important to specifically honor the Barber brothers and their return.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 5, 2021

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Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former Wisconsin Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Albert H. Wilkening

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Aug. 7, 2021, as a mark of respect for former Wisconsin Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Albert H. Wilkening, who passed away on April 8, 2020, at the age of 74.

Wilkening had a long career of service in the U.S. military. He served as the Adjutant General of the state of Wisconsin commanding the Wisconsin National Guard from 2002 to 2007, during which time he oversaw the federal and state missions of the Wisconsin Air and Army National Guards. In 2003, Wilkening was appointed by former Gov. Jim Doyle to chair the Governor’s Homeland Security Council and serve as the governor’s Homeland Security Advisor. Throughout his career, Wilkening also received numerous awards and recognition such as the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, among many other accolades.

“Maj. Gen. Wilkening was a dedicated public servant with a longstanding commitment to serving our country and the people of our state,” said Gov. Evers. “Our thoughts are with Maj. Gen. Wilkening’s family and loved ones as they honor his life and years of service to the state of Wisconsin.”

Funeral services will be held for Wilkening in the village of Oregon on August 7, 2021.

Executive Order #129 is in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sat., August 7, 2021, and is available here.

Governor Evers has ordered that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds, and military installations of the State of Wisconsin, beginning at sunrise on May 14, 2021, and ending at sunset on that date in honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans.