It's Memorial Weekend in Iowa, and the United States. This years holiday, which doubles as the unofficial kickoff to summer, feels very different. it's not because of the weather which will be typical Iowa May weather, nice... then not so nice... then nice. It's because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The global pandemic has nixed many area summer events and has, tragically, taken many lives. And it is for that reason many U.S. governors, including Iowa's Kim Reynolds, are ordering flags to half-staff this weekend.

KCCI reports that on Friday, Gov. Reynolds ordered flags to be lowered, beginning Saturday, which is in conjunction with a request made by President Trump. The proclamation ends on Sunday at sunset.

In the press release, the governor's office states,

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

This weekend is also one where we honor those we lost serving in the military to keep us free. In his statement, NPR reports that President Trump requested the flag again be flown at half-staff on Monday to honor the men and women who perished fighting for our country.

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