Why Minnesota Flags Were Lowered
In honor of Captain Willibald C. Bianchi.
When the Minnesota Half-Staff Order Began and Ended
Use the exact end boundary above. A flag may return to full-staff at sunset, noon, a stated clock time, or another named event. If the end is not confirmed, open the source before acting.
Where the Minnesota Half-Staff Order Applied
Minnesota statewide as specified in the order
- Facilities
- State
- U.S. flag
- Affected
- State flag
- Affected
- Private display
- Advisory
What This Half-Staff Order Means for Flag Owners
Follow the Locations Named in This Order
An order can cover federal property, all state facilities, one building, or another named place. Do not expand a limited order beyond the stored scope.
Return Flags to Full-Staff at the Stated Time
Use the end date and boundary above. Before raising the flag, confirm that a newer federal or state half-staff order has not taken effect.
Check for a Newer Half-Staff Order
This detail page preserves one directive. It does not make an old order current, so use today’s status page for the latest operational answer.
Official Source and Evidence for This Half-Staff Order
Office of Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan Governor Walz Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Captain Willibald C. Bianchi Governor Tim Walz today ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in honor and remembrance of Captain Willibald C. Bianchi. “After more than 80 years, Captain Willibald C. Bianchi is coming home,” said Governor Walz. “His courage on the battlefield and his endurance as a prisoner of war represent the highest ideals of service. Today, we stand with his family and community to ensure his sacrifice is remembered with the dignity and respect it has always deserved.” Captain Bianchi, a native of New Ulm, Minnesota, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on February 3, 1942, during the defense of the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. Despite sustaining multiple wounds, he continued to lead and engage enemy forces with exceptional bravery. He later died as a prisoner of war in 1945. After more than 80 years, his remains have been identified and returned to Minnesota through the efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Captain Bianchi’s legacy. The Governor's proclamation can be found here [ https://mn.gov/governor/assets/05.02.2026%20Captain%20Willibald%20C.%20Bianchi%20Day_tcm1055-745378.pdf ]. Flags at Half-Staff In keeping with appropriate flag etiquette and U.S. Code, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz may order the state flag to be flown at half-staff under very limited circumstances. He may also order the national flag to be flown at half-staff on state property only. A state flag on state property is required by law to be flown at half-staff if the national flag is flown at half-staff.
The linked government page remains the authoritative version.
Minnesota Half-Staff Order Questions
Is the Honoring Captain Willibald C. Bianchi order still active?
This record is marked ended. Its stored effective period begins May 2, 2026 and ends May 2, 2026. Check the current status page before changing a flag.
Does this Minnesota half-staff order apply to homes and businesses?
Only if the notice says so. Government orders usually direct named public facilities and may separately invite private citizens, businesses, and organizations to participate. Check “Private display” in the scope above and read the source when it is not stated.
Which flags and locations did this order cover?
Use the scope cards above. They separate the facility type, geographic area, U.S. flag, state flag, and private-display guidance retained from the notice.
Where can I verify this half-staff order?
Use the official-source link on this page. The government notice remains authoritative if it differs from this normalized record.