Hawai’i Flags Lowered in Honor of Victims at Sikh Temple

Hawaii flag. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Flags are now flying at half staff through sunset on Friday as the nation honors the victims of a tragedy in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

During the August 5, 2012 incident, six people were killed and three others critically injured when a gunman opened fire at a Sikh temple. The gunman was fatally shot by police responding to the incident.

Hawai’i Governor Neil Abercrombie ordered all national and state flags at all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai’i National Guard are to be flown at half-staff as directed by President Barack Obama.

The Presidential Proclamation stated the action was, “as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on August 5, 2012, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.”