NEWS
Governor Cooper Orders Flags to Half Staff for the Second Time This Month
The flag at Davidson Town Hall was lowered to half staff to honor the life of Spc. Antonio Moore, from Wilmington.
Governor Roy Cooper today ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff beginning Monday, January 27, 2020 in honor of Spc. Antonio I. Moore, who lost his life in an accident while carrying out operations in Syria. A Wilmington native, Spc. Moore had been assigned to the 363rd Engineer Battalion, 411th Engineer Brigade based in Knightdale, NC.
Flags are to remain at halfstaff through sunset on Sunday, February 2, 2020.
Statement from Governor Roy Cooper:
“Our hearts are heavy with the tragic loss of Wilmington native Spc. Antonio I. Moore. We’re honored by his selfless service to this country and are praying for his loved ones and fellow soldiers in the 363rd Engineer Battalion.”
As a show of respect, individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.
Please note, all North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance to regulations outlined in the US Flag Code.
Of note, flags were flown at half staffer earlier in January to honor two soldiers from Fort Bragg. Flags were lowered beginning Monday, January 13 and remained at half staff through sunset on January 19. Staff Sgt. Ian Paul McLaughlin of Virginia and Pfc. Miguel Angel Villalon of Illinois, who lost their lives while conducting combat operations on Saturday in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. McLaughlin and Pfc. Villalon were both paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division based in Fort Bragg, NC.
McLaughlin, who joined the Army in 2012 and served as a squad leader, is survived by his wife and four children.
Villalon, who joined the Army in 2018 as a combat engineer and was on his first deployment, is survived by his mother and father.
Statement from Governor Roy Cooper following the death of McLaughlin and Villalon.
“Our hearts are heavy with the loss of two brave paratroopers in Afghanistan. To honor their memories, I order the flags to half staff.”