Governor orders flags to half-staff

The USS Arizona burning in Pearl Harbor on the morning of

Dec. 7, 1941, after a surprise attack by the Japanese. Allen Ray

Teer, who had ties to Crittenden County, was one of the hundreds

killed on the battleship. Thomas Collins, also of Crittenden County,

was killed aboard the USS Downes.

For what will probably be the last time, Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff. The governor issued the order tin observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Monday.

This is in memory of and to honor the 2,400 Americans, including two with ties to Crittenden County, who died in the surprise attack by the Japanese on the U.S. Fleet’s Pearl Harbor base in the early-morning hours of Dec. 7, 1941. President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared Dec. 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy” and signed the Declaration of War against Japan the following day, Dec. 8, 74 years ago.

Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute.

The governor will leave office Tuesday after two terms.