Did you notice flags at half-staff in Washington? It’s not for Veterans Day yet

Noticing flags at half-staff today?

You’re not alone. Flags have been ordered to half-staff at Washington state agency buildings through sunset.

Here’s why.

Flags at half-staff in Washington

In each state, the governor is responsible for issuing flag directives. Each year, there are pre-determined dates for lowered flags, and the Governor’s Office will announce any additional dates as necessary.

You can sign up for email updates on flag directives.

So far this year, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has called for lowered flags in recognition of federal occasions like Memorial Day, for the deaths of former representatives and on the anniversary of the Oso landslide, among others.

Generally, the directive includes a requirement for state buildings, and an invitation for others to lower their flags as well.

Additionally, directives can be issued by the president for flags on federal property. These directives can be echoed on state levels through governor’s offices.

Washington flags lowered in memorial

Today, the Washington state and United States flags at state agency facilities have been ordered to half-staff through sunset, or close of business, in honor of two service members who died in the line of duty.

Naval aviators Lieutenant Commander Lyndsay Evans and Lieutenant Serena Wileman both died in the line of duty at age 31 on October 15.

They died during a routine training flight near Mount Rainier.

“Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay ‘Miley’ Evans and Lt. Serena ‘Dug’ Wileman will be remembered as role models, trailblazers, and women whose influence touched countless people on the flight deck and well beyond,” stated the U.S. Navy in an article released after the crash.

They both had accomplished careers in the military. Evans was also an Electronic Warfare Officer with two sea tours under her belt and numerous medals. She was part of the 2023 all-female Super Bowl flyover, in recognition of the 50-year anniversary of women flying in the Navy, according to the article. Additionally, she was named the 2024 Growler Tactics Instructor of the Year.

Both Evans and Wileman are among the few women who have flown combat missions over land. Wileman was also a Landing Signal Officer with numerous medals. The article from the Navy describes her as a consistently positive presence, remaining calm and composed in high-stress situations, with “exceptional leadership” during her time as an Officer in Charge.

“They shared many moments together, from leading critical missions in combat zones during deployment to helping their Sailors and each other weather the mental strain of long deployments…” stated the Navy article. “They were both known for their humor and light-hearted spirit.”

This story was originally published November 7, 2024 at 11:42 AM.