In five states across the country this weekend, flags are set to be flown at half-staff, to pay tribute to individuals who have died.
Among those being commemorated are a World War II soldier and the victims of one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history.
Under the U.S. Flag Code, flags can fly at half-staff to pay tribute following the death of a military member, government official or emergency first responder. The president, state governors and the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.
South Dakota
After more than 80 years, U.S. Army Corporal Robert A. Bartlett, of De Grey, is returning home and being laid to rest.
He was killed in July 1944 during World War II when his unit, Company A, 744th Tank Battalion, was engaged with German forces at Saint-Germain-d'Elle in France.
"My grandparents, who were his parents, learned of their son's death when they received a telegram," Janet Bartlett, his niece, told Keloland news.
Bartlett's remains were originally unaccounted for and interred at Normandy American Cemetery, while his name was placed on the Wall of the Missing.
In May, Bartlett's remains were accounted for using dental and anthropological analysis. He is set to be laid to rest with full military honors at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Blunt, a few miles away from his hometown of De Grey.
Nebraska
To honor Elmer Crumbley, a coach and an educator at Omaha Public Schools, all U.S. and state flags at City of Omaha facilities are due to be flown at half-staff on Friday, the day of his internment.
Elmer and his brother drowned in Cunningham Lake on July 31 after they entered the water to launch their fishing boat.
State Senator Justin Wayne, Crumbley's close friend, called him a "beacon of wisdom."
Florida
Lake County is honoring Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Link, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on August 2 during an ambush shooting.
Link, 28, was an Army Reserve veteran and served with the Polk County Sheriff's Office before joining the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
"I'm one of the chaplains at the sheriff's office, so he was my brother, and I … definitely support him and his family," Chaplain Dorthy Hooks told local network WKMG at a vigil for Links.
She added: "We believe in God. Praying and asking God to take us through this grieving process."
Hawaii
Hawaii continues to remember the 102 lives lost in the August 2023 Maui wildfires.
On the anniversary of the tragedy, U.S. and state flags at all state offices and agencies in Hawaii are due to fly at half-staff.
The wind-driven fires were the fifth deadliest in U.S. history. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the fires destroyed 2,200 structures and caused $5.5 billion worth of damages. The community of Lahaina was virtually destroyed.
On Wednesday, a new memorial, made by Soakai Taufa in the shape of a giant teardrop, was unveiled.
"Exactly one year ago, we lost cherished lives of mothers, fathers, grandparents, sons, daughters and friends. As we observe the one-year mark of the Maui Wildfires through commemorative events this weekend, let's honor their memories and never forget those we lost in Lahaina. Together, we will pave a path toward resilience and hope, preserve the spirit of Lahaina, and continue to rebuild with the community with strength and unity," Governor Josh Green said in a statement.
On Thursday, President Joe Biden spoke with Green and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen to discuss the Biden-Harris administration's ongoing support to the communities affected. In a statement, White House spokesperson Jeremy Edwards said: "As President Biden made clear when he and first lady Jill Biden visited Maui shortly after the fires subsided, the Biden-Harris Administration will be with the people of Maui every step of the way, no matter how long it takes."
Kansas
On August 1, firefighter Ty Voth died as he tried to put out a house fire in the suburb of Haysville. He had been with the Wichita Fire Department for five years.
"Ty Voth made the ultimate sacrifice, and he was taken much too soon. His dedication and selflessness will not be forgotten," said Governor Laura Kelly in a statement paying tribute to the 27-year-old firefighter.
"[Voth] was always good about being patient and taking time to make sure that the people in his group knew what was going on and that they can learn and do better," Wichita Fire Captain Keith Niemann told local network KWCH.
He added: "You can tell he was driven. He had just a natural talent."
