Why are the flags half-staff in Wisconsin today?

You may notice flags flying at half-staff across Wisconsin on Friday.

The gesture, ordered by Gov. Tony Evers, is in memory of a World War II veteran whose remains were recently returned home. Here's what you should know about the flags at half-staff and the Wisconsinites they honor.

Why are the flags at half-staff in Wisconsin on Friday?

Wisconsin's flags were lowered Friday, Sept. 27, in honor of U.S. Army Air Force Staff Sgt. Ralph H. Bode, a Racine native who died in World War II.

During his war time, Bode served in a combat bomb squadron. In September 1944 his plane was shot down during a bombing raid over Germany.