Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, Nov. 16, according to a news release.
Why are flags in Iowa at half-staff on Saturday, Nov. 16?
Flags half-staff in Iowa on Monday honor fallen Petty Officer Second Class Elijah Hummel of Altoona. He died on Nov. 8 after a motorcycle accident.
Who was Elijah Hummel?
Elijah Hummell, 21, was serving at the Naval Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut as a Machinist’s Mate of Nuclear Second Class Petty Officer. He was assigned to the USS Idaho SSN 799 and was responsible for operating naval nuclear propulsion plants, according to the governor’s office.
He attended Iowa Christian Academy and Des Moines Christian School and graduated in 2021. He last saw his family in September while on a visit to Lake Panorama, which he told his mother was his “happy place,” according to his obituary .
Funeral Services will held at the West Des Moines Christian Church on Saturday, Nov. 16. He will be buried at the Iowa Veterans Cemetary in Van Meter following services.