“It is our responsibility to make sure no hero is ever left behind, no matter how many years have passed, and it is an honor to be able to help welcome Sergeant Hohlfeld back to his home so that he may be laid to rest," Evers said in the news release.

Flags will fly at half-staff in memory of U.S. Army Air Forces Sergeant Jack Hohlfeld, who died more than 80 years ago but whose remains were only recently identified and returned to Wisconsin.

Hohlfeld was born in Vernon County and raised in both La Crosse and Trempealeau counties, according to a news release from the governor's office. He enlisted in the Army in 1938 and served in the Philippines.

U.S. flags typically fly at half-staff in the wake of national tragedies or after deaths of government officials, military members or first responders. They also fly at half-staff on Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance.

"The United States flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning," USA.gov says. "The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff."

According to Evers' order, the American flag and the Wisconsin state flag will fly at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the state of Wisconsin.

The sergeant's family "have worked tirelessly" for decades to find his remains and bring him home for burial, according to the news release. In May 2024, Hohlfeld's remains were finally positively identified.

In December 1941, Hohlfeld and his squadron members were overtaken by Japanese forces and became prisoners of war. He remained captive in a war camp until his death on Dec. 26, 1942, after which he was buried in an a communal grave with other service members and later moved to a cemetery in Manila.

The gesture, ordered by Gov. Tony Evers, is in memory of a decorated World War II veteran whose remains were recently identified. Here's what to know about the flags at half-staff and the Wisconsinite they're honoring: