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Flags at half staff Monday to remember COVID-19 victims

 “As we continue to fight COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, getting tested and treated, and staying home when sick, we lower our flags to remember, honor, and mourn those we have lost,” says Gov. Tim Walz

County Flags.jpg
Three flags are displayed near the Douglas County Services Center building, a 4-H flag, the American Flag, and the University of Minnesota flag. (Contributed photo)

ST. PAUL — In accordance with a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden, Gov. Tim Walz has directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, May 16 to remember, mourn, and honor the one million American lives lost to COVID-19.

“Over two years ago, our state mourned the first death of a Minnesotan to COVID-19. Since then, Minnesotans got through one of the most challenging periods in our state’s history the way we always get through hardships — together,” said Walz. “As we continue to fight COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, getting tested and treated, and staying home when sick, we lower our flags to remember, honor, and mourn those we have lost.”

“Every person lost was somebody’s somebody. For me, my somebody was my brother, and today’s news that one million somebodies in America have been lost is devastating,” said Lieutenant Gov. Peggy Flanagan. “While vaccines have saved countless lives, we remain committed to supporting all Minnesotans who have suffered these unthinkable losses.”

Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are also encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Minnesotans who have lost their lives to COVID-19 and their families.

Our newsroom occasionally reports stories under a byline of "staff." Often, the "staff" byline is used when rewriting basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as a city press release about a road closure, and which require little or no reporting. At times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story.
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