Gov. Bev Perdue today ordered all North Carolina state flags to be lowered to half-staff on all state facilities from sunrise to sunset in tribute to the N.C. National Guard members who died in the line of duty Sunday night when their plane crashed en route to South Dakota to assist in battling wildfires. Citizens and local governments are encouraged to fly flags at half-staff as well.
The names and hometowns of victims and survivors of the crash have not been released pending notification of family.
“This tragic loss underscores the risks and sacrifices our servicemen and women make on a daily basis,” Perdue said. “Whether at home or abroad, they leave their families to keep us safe and protect our freedom. Every North Carolinian should be proud of and humbled by these patriotic Americans’ willingness to put themselves in harm’s way every day.”
To view the new North Carolina State Government Flag Guide, visit http://www.doa.nc.gov/facility/documents/flagbrochure.pdf.