“With this change we can correct a mistake in Illinois’ Flag Display Act which only allows flags at state facilities to be flown half-staff for Illinoisans killed by hostile fire instead of including those who are lost while training for active duty,” Sommer said.
The bill passed the House Veterans Affairs committee last month following testimony from Dale Nannen of Hopedale, Reid Nannen’s father. Dale Nannen testified that Marines who came to his son’s funeral commented to him on their surprise at seeing flags in Illinois not lowered to half-staff. He also mentioned that friends had told him that flags in Nevada, the site of the accident, had been lowered to half-staff the day after the crash. Read more.