August 6, 2012

For Immediate Release

Governor Walker Orders Flags to Half-Staff

Madison—Today, Governor Scott Walker ordered flags to half-staff to remember and mourn the tragic events at Oak Creek.

"The people of Wisconsin join the Sikh community in mourning those killed yesterday and in remembering their lives," said Governor Scott Walker. "As our state comes together to care for the survivors, our hope is that the families and the whole Oak Creek community find healing and strength in the memory of their loved ones."

Below is the text of Executive Order #81:

EXECUTIVE ORDER #81

Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Victims of the Tragedy at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin

            WHEREAS, on August 5, 2012, individuals at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek, Wisconsin tragically lost their lives due to a senseless act of violence; and

WHEREAS, law enforcement and first responders heroically answered calls for assistance, risking their lives to provide faithful and honorable service to the people of the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, Oak Creek, and the State of Wisconsin; and

            WHEREAS, the people of the State of Wisconsin mourn the loss of all who died as a result of this tragedy.

            NOW, THEREFORE, I, SCOTT WALKER, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, by the authority vested in me by federal and state law, do hereby order that as a day of mourning, the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin be flown half-staff at all buildings, grounds, and military installations of the State of Wisconsin equipped with such flags beginning Monday, August 6, 2012 and ending at sunset on that date.  The flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall also be flown half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the date of each victim’s funeral.  

Yesterday, Governor Walker released the following statement regarding the Oak Creek incident:

Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, as we all struggle to comprehend the evil that begets this terrible violence.

At the same time, we are filled with gratitude for our first responders, who show bravery and selflessness as they put aside their own safety to protect our neighbors and friends.

Tonette and I ask everyone to join us in praying for the victims and their families, praying for the safety of our law enforcement and first responder professionals and praying for strength and healing for this entire community and our state. 

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