Governor Evers orders flags at half-staff for Waukesha parade tragedy anniversary

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- In remembrance of the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy, Governor Tony Evers has mandated the lowering of U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff.

Marking the two-year anniversary of the devastating act, this gesture aims to honor the six lives lost: Tamara Durand, Wilhelm Hospel, Jane Kulich, Leanna Owen, Virginia Sorenson and Jackson Sparks.

Gov. Evers expressed his thoughts on the tragedy in a statement announcing the decision, "In the wake of this devastation, we saw an entire community come together to mourn the lives lost and to begin the long road towards recovery, and have seen the kindness, strength and resilience of Waukesha as the community united behind the message ‘Waukesha Strong.'"

Executive Order #216, announced by Gov. Evers on Friday, Nov. 17, will be observed on Tuesday, Nov. 21, from sunrise to sunset.

Evers added, "Their memories will live on through the unity, strength and light felt throughout this community, and they will not be forgotten."