Why Minnesota Flags Were Lowered
In honor of Leslie R. Washington’s Service and Sacrifice.
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
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 beginning immediately in honor and remembrance of Leslie R. Washington. *“Mr. Washington’s courage, bravery, and sacrifice in service to Minnesota and his country is admirable and unparalleled,” *said Governor Walz. *“Gwen and I extend our deepest gratitude to him and his crew members, and our deepest condolences to Mr. Washington’s friends, family, crew members, community, and all others who mourn his passing.”* Leslie R. Washington served this wildland fire season as a member of the K-River 2 crew, a Tribal firefighting crew, on assignment with SES Fire and the US Wildland Fire Service. On August 11, 2026, Mr. Washington died following a medical emergency while responding to the Bear Trap Fire near Ely, Minnesota. Mr. Washington was from Noorvik, Alaska, and was a member of the Inupiaq people of the Northwest Arctic. Mr. Washington and his crew members traveled throughout rural Alaska to protect lives, property, and natural resources before coming to Minnesota to do the same. Mr. Washington displayed courage and dedication beyond measure, something also shared by all firefighters across the state and nation. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Mr. Washington’s dedication and sacrifice. The Governor's proclamation can be found here [ https://mn.gov/governor/assets/08.13.26%20Leslie%20R.%20Washington_tcm1055-763872.pdf ]. Source: https://mn.gov/governor/assets/08.13.26%20Leslie%20R.%20Washington_tcm1055-763872.pdf
The linked government page remains the authoritative version.
Minnesota Half-Staff Order Questions
Is the Honoring Leslie R. Washington’s Service and Sacrifice order still active?
This record is marked ended. Its stored effective period begins August 13, 2026 and ends August 13, 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.