Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in recognition of the third anniversary of the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy and to honor those killed.

On November 21, 2021, Darrell Brooks drove an SUV into Waukesha’s annual Christmas parade, killing six people ranging in age from 8 to 81. More than 60 people were injured. streams was sentenced to more than 1,200 years in prison, including six consecutive life sentences.

“We pay tribute to Tamara, Wilhelm, Jane, Leanna, Virginia, Jackson, their loved ones, the dozens of people who were injured that day and all those whose lives were forever changed by this act of violence insane,” Evers said in a statement. .

Evers also ordered that flags be flown at half-staff on November 21, 2022 and 2023.

“Today we also remember and recognize the strength and spirit of the Waukesha community, their resilience, generosity and compassion in the wake of an unspeakable tragedy. Waukesha and Wisconsin remain ‘Waukesha Strong'” , he declared.

After more than two-year fundraising effortan inauguration ceremony will take place detained for the memorial parade at Grede Park Thursday evening at 4:39 p.m. The memorial will include benches, a tile wall made of community-created tiles, plaques for the victims and sculptures, depending on the city.

More: Construction to begin in May for Waukesha Parade Memorial once fundraising goal is reached

More: Two years after tragedy, Waukesha enters safe and secure Christmas parade weekend

How long will flags be at half-mast on Thursday?

The American flag and the Wisconsin state flag will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Thursday.

Where will the flags be at half-mast?

According to Evers orderthe American flag and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff on all military buildings, grounds, and installations owned by the State of Wisconsin.

Why do flags fly at half-mast?

American flags are typically flown at half-staff following national tragedies or after the death of government officials, military personnel or first responders. They also fly at half-mast on Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance, including 9/11.

“The flag of the United States is flown at half-staff or at half-staff when the nation or a state is in mourning,” USA.gov says. “The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia may order that flags be flown at half-staff.”

This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why are flags flying at half-staff in Wisconsin on Thursday?