RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Flags are flying at half-staff across Arizona, Colorado and New York on Friday and this weekend as governors honor a decorated soldier killed overseas, a firefighter who died after battling a wildfire and a former state leader whose influence stretched across decades of public service.
While each observance stems from a separate tragedy or loss, the overlapping orders have created a multistate period of remembrance centered on military service, emergency response and civic leadership.
Half-staff flag orders are among the most visible forms of public mourning in the United States.
Under long-standing flag protocol, governors can direct flags to be lowered to honor military personnel, first responders, public officials and others whose service had a significant impact on their communities.
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul ordered flags on all state government buildings to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on July 31, in honor of Staff Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad, who died on July 17 during an attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
Rampersad, a lifelong resident of Ozone Park in Queens, served with the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, part of the 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade based in Germany.
She graduated from Forest Hills High School before earning a criminal justice degree from John Jay College and building a military career that earned her multiple commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.
She was posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant.
"My heart is with the family, loved ones and the soldiers who stood beside Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad as they grieve this unimaginable loss," Hochul said.
"Staff Sergeant Rampersad lived a life of courage and selflessness," the governor continued. "New York, and our nation, are safer because of brave Americans like her who answer the call to serve."
The Department of Defense said Rampersad was among U.S. personnel killed during an enemy attack on the Jordanian air base, an incident that remains under investigation .
In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis ordered flags lowered on July 31 to honor Nathan Matthews, a U.S. Wildland Fire Service firefighter who died from injuries suffered while responding to the Knowles fire in Mesa County.
Matthews was injured during a June 27 burnover event that killed three other firefighters: Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson and Sydney Watson.
The Knowles fire later merged into what became known as the Snyder fire.
While Matthews survived the initial incident, he died from his injuries on July 24. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the burnover.
A memorial procession in Matthews' honor traveled Friday morning from the Denver Federal Center to Grand Junction along the U.S. 6 and Interstate 70 corridor, with residents encouraged to gather safely along the route.
"My thoughts are with Nathan's family during this difficult time," Polis said.
"Our firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and keep people safe. Nathan's heroism will not be forgotten, and we are forever in awe of Nathan's unwavering bravery and sacrifice," the governor continued.
In Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags at state buildings lowered from sunrise to sunset on August 1 for the burial service of former Arizona Senate President Carl Kunasek, who died on July 20 at age 94.
Kunasek spent decades in public service, serving in both chambers of the Arizona Legislature, on the Arizona Corporation Commission and as a federal appointee.
Before entering politics, he owned pharmacies in Mesa and served in the U.S. Air Force as a first lieutenant
He is perhaps best known for helping create the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the state's Medicaid program, which continues to provide health care coverage to hundreds of thousands of Arizonans.
"The Honorable Carl Kunasek was a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about his community and whose work improved the lives of millions of Arizonans," Hobbs said.
"My condolences go out to his family. He will continue to inspire public service for years to come," she continued.
Arizona officials are encouraging residents, businesses and civic organizations to participate in the observance.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Ben Kelly and Shakeema Edwards .
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