BATON ROUGE — Today, Governor Jindal issued an Executive Order calling for the flags at all state buildings to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the military members who lost their lives in the Black Hawk crash. This order was issued in coordination with the State of Florida and Governor Rick Scott.
Governor Jindal said, “Today, our hearts and prayers are with the families of the military men who lost their lives in service to our nation. This terrible tragedy took some of America’s greatest heroes from us far too soon. It is because of their courageous acts that we may be free, and we will never forget them. This tragedy is a reminder to us all that these men and women run into danger when many of us would run away, and for that we are forever grateful. I’d like to ask all Louisianians to take a moment today, over the dinner table or before bed to remember these brave individuals and to pray for their families.”
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. BJ 2015 – 5
____________________________________________________________________
FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF
____________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, an Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was involved in a fatal accident off the coast of the Florida panhandle late Tuesday evening during a training mission; and
WHEREAS, four Louisiana National Guard aircrew and seven U.S. Marines were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash; and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana National Guard is working in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard and Eglin Air Force Base for continued recovery efforts; and
WHEREAS, the service members dedicated their lives to serving their state and country, fighting courageously overseas in defense of our nation as well as here at home, protecting what matters most during times of crisis; and
WHEREAS, the thoughts and prayers of all Louisianians are with the families of the four Louisiana National Guard soldiers as well as the families of the seven U.S. Marines on board the Black Hawk helicopter.
NOW THEREFORE, I, BOBBY JINDAL, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:
SECTION 1: As an expression of respect for the four Louisiana National Guard soldiers as well as the seven U.S. Marines involved in the Black Hawk helicopter accident on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, effective immediately, the flags of the United States and the State of Louisiana shall be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol and all public building and institutions of the State of Louisiana until sunset on Friday, March 20, 2015.
SECTION 2: This Order is effective upon signature and shall remain in effect until sunset, Friday, March 20, 2015, unless amended, modified, terminated, or rescinded prior to that date.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of Louisiana, at the Capitol, in the city of Baton Rouge, on this 13th day of March, 2015.
/s/ Bobby Jindal
GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA
ATTEST BY
THE GOVERNOR
/s/ Tom Schedler
SECRETARY OF STATE
